Eye Treatment Methods For Less Common Eye Conditions In The Elderly - By: Kathryn Dawson

There are a wide range of eye conditions in the elderly that necessitate various eye treatment methods. These include the common problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and presbyopia. But there are also uncommon conditions that can adversely affect vision especially when they are in the later stages.

Blepharospasm is an involuntary blinking or spasm of the eyelids. This is due to abnormal function of the basal ganglion. The basal ganglion is the deep brain structure that helps start and control movement. The symptoms vary depending on which area is affected. In the eyes, this presents as gradual increase in blinking or eye irritation. Other symptoms include sensitivity to bright light, fatigue, emotional tension, and even facial spasms. This is usually treated with medications or injections. In severe cases, surgery is done in which some of the muscles and nerves of the eyelids are removed. Management options are aimed to reduce the severity of the disease and relieve the symptoms. Alternative treatments include acupuncture, hypnosis, chiropractic therapy, and nutrition therapy. However, the success of these alternative methods has not been scientifically proven.

Dry eye syndrome is a condition where the eye is unable to maintain a healthy layer of tears to coat it. To keep the eyes healthy and comfortable, a thin film of tears normally coats the eyes. Dry eye syndrome affects a considerable percentage of the adult population, especially those older than 40 years old. Dry eyes can be due to decreased tear production or excessive tear evaporation. When the eyes are not able to produce adequate amount of tears, this can lead to drying of the eyes, thus making them vulnerable to swelling and inflammation. The dry eyes can be due to the natural ageing process or can be caused by some medications. Some conditions that can bring about dry eye syndrome are collagen vascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and eyelid problems that do not allow them to close properly. Although not a really serious condition, it can cause considerable discomfort. In some cases, it can lead to scarring of the surface of the eye and vision impairment if left untreated. Treatment includes the use of artificial teardrops, ointments, and eye lubricants. Other medications such as topical steroids can help some patients. Surgery is done in some patients and this involves closing the ducts that drain tears into the nose. This will allow more tears to remain around the eye for better lubrication. Temporary or permanent plugs can be surgically done to reduce the speed at which tears drain into the eyes.

A pterygium or surfers eye is a growth of clear, thin tissue that lays over the sclera or the white part of the eye. This is not cancerous but simply a painless area of raised tissue that may cause slight irritation or a feeling of a foreign object in the eye. Sometimes, it grows quite large that it interferes with vision. The exact cause is not known but it is most likely associated with prolonged exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Other factors believed to contribute to pterygium formation are chronic eye irritation from dust, living along the equator, and living in windblown areas. Some research also points to a genetic predisposition. Most cases cause no problems and do not need treatment. When the pterygium blocks vision, then it should be surgically removed. However, a pterygium can return after it is removed.

Ptosis or drooping eyelid can affect one or both eyes. It can be seen in all ages but it usually occurs because of ageing. Oftentimes, the droop is barely noticeable. With severely ptosis, people may have difficulty seeing. In such cases, surgical treatment is done to tighten the levator muscles to lift the eyelids. Surgery can improve the height of the eyelid but sometimes the eyelids may not appear perfectly symmetrical, requiring more than one operation.

Just like more serious methods such as macular degeneration treatment, glaucoma surgery, and cataract surgery, adequate eye treatment is important for less common eye diseases like blepharospasm, dry eye syndrome, pterygium, and ptosis.

About the Author

Kathryn Dawson writes articles about various eye treatment methods for eye diseases such as blepharospasm and cataracts. A blepharospasm is any abnormal contraction or twitch of the eyelid. Find out about blepharospasm and macular degeneration treatment.

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