Eyes are important

How the eye works

The eye is often compared to a camera, but in truth, the organ of sight is far more complex and efficient. Not only does the eye focus and snap pictures, but it also works continuously with the brain and nervous system to process ever-changing images and provide us with the visual information we need for doing everything from hitting a cricket ball to preparing your meals.

The Aging Eye: Preventing and treating eye disease

Like the rest of your body, our eyes naturally change throughout our life. But the effects become more apparent as we get older and the structures in and around our eyes become less efficient. For most people, the first sign of change is presbyopia, a deterioration in close-up vision. Luckily, this problem can be treated with reading glasses.However, more serious age-related eye problems can cause vision loss or distortion. The risk of developing vision problems increases as we get older, especially after age 65. One dramatic example: People age 80 or older make up about 8% of the population, but account for 69% of people who are blind.Ask people which of their senses they’re most afraid of losing, and chances are the majority will say sight. Yet many people are not conscientious about caring for their eyes and often neglect to visit an ophthalmologist for a routine eye exam as they get older.Some of t he greatest threats to vision after age 40: cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. It will help to determine the risk of developing these disorders, describe their symptoms, and discuss diagnosis and treatment.It is possible to prevent many age-related eye problems.

The eye examination

Regular, comprehensive eye exams are the best way to detect eye disease early, when treatment (if available) is most effective. A thorough eye exam involves a series of evaluations — some done in the dark, some in the light, and some with special instruments. People who feel their eyes are too sensitive or who fear an eye exam; be assured it is not painful.