The Aging Eye: Program Recap

Published on July 31, 2025

Just like every other part of our body, our eyes deteriorate with age and that can lead to a host of different issues.

Thank you to Dr. Sebastian Lesniak from Matossian Eye Associates for a very informative session on our eyes as they age.  Most adults will suffer from some for of age-related eye condition, particularly cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.  While none of these issues can be prevented, early detection can help limit severe damage and preserve your eyesight as you age.

Cataracts

Cataracts are the most common cause of reversible vision loss and often manifest in older people.  Cataracts are caused by a clouding of the natural clear lens and oftentimes compared to frosty or fogged windows.  Cataracts are not a film over the eye, are not caused by straining the eye, does not spread from one eye to the other, and are not a cause of irreversible blindness. Some symptoms of cataracts include glare (especially at night), decrease in color vision, and adjusting your daily life to deal with blurry or tinted vision.  Generally, cataracts are associated with age, but diabetes, previous eye injury or surgery, or prolonged steroid use can cause cataracts to form earlier in life.  Cataracts are removed through a simple outpatient surgery that involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens.  While there are different lens types available, it is common for people to need basic reading glasses after the surgery.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a more serious issue that can cause blindness if left untreated.  It is also the leading cause of blindness in the United States.  Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve in which fluid builds up and causes pressure or “cupping” of the optic disc.  While family history is the primary risk for glaucoma, age, being of African descent, steroid use, narrow angles, eye trauma, or uveitis (eye inflammation) are all other risk factors associated with glaucoma. Glaucoma is most commonly treated with eye drops to control the pressure, but cold laser surgery or the implant of a stent during cataract surgery can also help promote the flow of fluid away from the optic nerve and reduce pressure.  Unfortunately, glaucoma cannot be cured and constant management of the pressure is required.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration occurs when the macular tissue deteriorates.  While people who suffer from macular degeneration lose their center vision, their peripheral vision often remains intact.  This is caused by yellow deposits called drusen that form in the macular tissue and a thinning of the macula. Risk factors include age, race (especially Caucasian women), family history, smoking, obesity, diet, hypertension, and heart disease.  While 90% of macular degeneration cases are considered dry and develop slowly, a more rapid and severe form called wet occurs due to leaking blood vessels.  Wet degeneration is most commonly treated with injections, while dry degeneration is primarily treated by AREDS-2 nutritional supplements, such as fish oil, or intravitreal injections.

More Information

As with many medical conditions, early detection is key so please visit your eye-care provider regularly. For more information, please visit Matossian Eye Associates at https://www.matossianeye.com/ or contact them at info@matossianeye.com.

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