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 yellow deposits
beneath the retina to determine if you have AMD. Intermediate
and late AMD can be treated with daily intake of vitamins and
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