SPECIAL SECTION: HEALTHY LIVING
have the disease. During an eye exam, glaucoma can be detected
by measuring eye pressure, inspecting the drainage angle of the
eye, evaluating the health of the optic nerve and testing the visual
field of each eye. Depending on the type and severity of the
disease, glaucoma can be treated through eye drops, medication
or surgery.
u Cataracts: A cataract affects vision by clouding the lens of the
eye. Chances of cataracts increase greatly with age, with more
than half of all Americans either having a cataract or having had
cataract surgery by the age of 80. People in their 40s and 50s
can have cataracts, but they are typically small and do not affect
vision. Cataracts are detected by blurred vision, faded colors,
glare from headlights or lamps, poor night vision, double vision,
or frequent prescription changes in eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Early detection can improve cataracts through new eyeglasses,
anti-glare sunglasses or brighter lighting. Surgery can also be
done to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial
lens.
u Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): One of the
common, but lesser known eye conditions is AMD. A leading
cause of vision loss among people 50 years of age and older,
AMD affects the macula, the millions of light-sensing cells that
provide your eye with sharp, central vision. Age is a major risk
factor for developing AMD, with most cases occurring after the
age of 60. Genetics, race, and smoking can also affect risk for
AMD. A comprehensive eye exam can detect AMD through
dilation and testing. Your eye care professional will look for
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