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![]() As you age, so do your eyes. Vision problems usually creep up slowly. Blindness and low vision can lead to loss of independence and reduced quality of life. As our population lives longer, eye disease will be an even greater concern. Diabetic patients have a 25-fold increase in the risk of blindness as compared to non-diabetic patients. Age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy are the most common eye diseases. In Malaysia, cataract is the leading cause of blindness followed by retinal diseases. CataractPreventionYou can take steps to help slow or prevent the development of cataracts:
Age-related Macular DegenerationAge-related macular degeneration is a chronic eye disease that occurs when tissue in the macula, the part of your retina that is responsible for central vision, deteriorates. Degeneration of the macula causes blurred central vision or a blind spot in the center of your visual field.PreventionThe following measures may help prevent or delay the progression of macular degeneration:
Other measures include wearing sunglasses that block out harmful ultraviolet light, stop smoking, managing your other diseases by following your doctor's instructions for controlling the condition, and having regular eye exams. GlaucomaGlaucoma is a group of diseases, whereby the common feature is damage to the optic nerve, usually accompanied by an abnormally high pressure inside your eyeball. The optic nerve is a bundle of nerve fibers at the back of your eye. Blind spots develop in your visual field when the optic nerve deteriorates, usually starting with your peripheral (side) vision. If left untreated, glaucoma may lead to blindness in both eyes.PreventionVitamins A, C, and E, zinc and copper are especially important to your eye health. Drink fluids in small amounts over the course of a day. Limiting caffeine to low or moderate levels may be helpful.
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