Common Age-Related Eye Problems Revealed

October 8, 2021

Common health problems arise as a person gets older and these include different eye problems such as glaucoma, dry eyes and cataracts among others.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), there are around four (4) million Filipinos with various eye conditions, mostly undiagnosed, that need to be addressed. Ayon pa sa ahensya, ang mga undiagnosed conditions ay pwedeng magresulta sa mas seryosong problema o komplikasyon gaya ng pagkabulag.

Guided by the Universal Health Care Law, the DOH is working towards providing comprehensive eye-care services and responding to emerging eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. These services are expected to help prevent blindness among Filipinos.

Even before reaching your senior years, mahalagang kumonsulta sa ophthalmologist at least once a year for a complete eye exam.

Here’s a list of the different common eye problems that you need to be aware of so you know what to expect and when to seek professional help care.

Cataracts are cloudy areas in the lens of the eye. It usually forms slowly and can cause blurry vision. If the cataracts become thick and large and significantly affect your vision, have them removed immediately.

Cataract surgery is a safe procedure. You just need to get a clearance from your family physician before the operation.

Dry eyes are a common problem for aging adults. It occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears. Tears are responsible for providing clear vision and maintaining the good health of your cornea (front surface of the eye). Dry eyes may cause itching, burning or even loss of vision.

Some health advisers suggest the use of humidifiers at home or eye drops to stimulate real tears. For serious dry eyes cases, visit your doctor immediately as surgery is needed. 

Glaucoma is a serious condition that is often painless and has no symptoms during the early stage. People with a family history of glaucoma have a higher risk of developing this disease. If left untreated, it may lead to permanent loss of vision and blindness.

Normally, to detect glaucoma, the ophthalmologist measures the eye pressure through a thorough examination of the eye optic nerves. Treatments may include special eye drops, laser treatment or surgery.

Age-related macular degeneration or AMD affects the macula which is responsible for facial recognition and reading and seeing fine details and colors. Although this does not cause total blindness, it may still cause blurry and distorted central vision.

Nutritional supplements may help during the early stage. For advanced cases, laser or injection of medication are provided.

Diabetic retinopathy occurs in people with diabetes and may cause blindness. That’s why it is important to have a controlled blood sugar to prevent this disease from progressing and prevent total blindness. It is also advisable to have a regular pupil dilation every year.

In order to preserve vision, for severe cases, retina injections, medications or laser treatments can be administered.

Aside from diabetes, hypertension may also affect your vision. That’s why you need to go and see your family physician regularly for blood work and monitoring.

Your vision may change drastically as you age pero ‘wag hayaan na maapektuhan ng mga pagbabagong ito ang inyong lifestyle. Habang maaga, umiwas sa mga bagay na pwedeng maka-damage sa inyong mga mata. 

As we celebrate World Sight Day on October 14, Paramount Direct calls for awareness to give immediate attention to eye-related diseases. Make sure to stay fit and healthy, take nutritional food and supplements and visit your doctor once a year for a comprehensive eye exam to preserve and maintain your eye health.

A high medical bill caused by an eye problem is definitely not a sight to behold. For your additional protection, at para maging mas handa sa anumang banta ng pagkakasakit at pagkakaospital, we offer health insurance products like our Premium HealthCare Plus Plan for ages 50-74 years old that provides cash benefits for regular, ICU, long-term and surgical confinements. Did you know that this product can also give you financial assistance in case you undergo some eye surgeries? With its Maximum Surgical Benefit, you can receive up to PHP80,000 for eye-related operations on top of your PhilHealth coverage. Feel free to contact us for the complete list of procedures.

Bisitahin ang https://www.paramountdirect.com/health-insurance/premium-healthcare-plus-plan para talagang makita mo kung paano ka matutulungan ng Premium HealthCare Plus Plan na mas alagaan ‘di lang iyong mga mata kundi ang iyong buong kalusugan. Getting a quotation and applying for this product is easy, safe and fast. Let’s protect our eyes and #redirect away from worries with Paramount Direct.

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