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3 Common Eye Surgeries For Seniors

Seniors will be the first to tell you that their eyes have changed as they have gotten older. In the United States alone, one in three people over the age of 65 have an eye disease that has impaired their vision. When caught early, most types of eye disorders can be effectively treated. One method of treatment might include surgery. Here are three common types of eye surgeries for seniors.  

Retinal Detachment Surgery

When the retina tears away from the supportive tissue that lies underneath it, it's called retinal detachment. If the entire retina becomes detached, it usually leads to vision impairment or loss of vision. Seniors who are extremely nearsighted are at a higher risk of getting this type of eye disorder. Other risk factors include having a family history of retinal detachment, eye injuries, and having retinal detachment in the other eye. Here are some of the more common symptoms:  

  • Seeing cobwebs or specks in the field of vision 
  • Flashes of light in the eye 
  • Appearance of a curtain over the field of vision 

For seniors who act quickly, surgery is a very effective form of treatment for retinal detachment. Seniors who wait too long to be treated are at risk for vision loss.  

Cataract Surgery

Cataracts can occur in three different places of the eye lens including: the back of the lens, the central zone, or the periphery of the lens that makes its way to the center. No matter where the cataract is located, it eventually leads to blurry vision. Aging is one of the most common risk factors for getting cataracts. Other risk factors might include a history of hypertension, obesity, and smoking. Besides blurred vision, here are some other common symptoms:  

  • Impaired night vision 
  • Light sensitivity 
  • Frequent change in glasses prescription 

Cataract replacement is one of the most effective forms of treatment for cataracts. This involves laser surgery where the cataract is removed and gets replaced with an intraocular lens.  

Glaucoma Surgery 

Glaucoma is one of the most threatening types of eye disorders as vision loss can happen with little warning. Damage to the optic nerve causes this condition. Besides age, other risk factors include race, family history, and those who have thinner corneas. Here are some of the most common symptoms:  

  • Blurred vision 
  • Severe eye pain 
  • Seeing rainbow-colored circles around lights 

When glaucoma is present, pressure in the eye increases. Surgery can help decrease this pressure and stop the progression of vision loss, but it cannot restore vision. For more information, talk to a professional like Country Hills Eye Center.


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