Vision disorders in the elderly / 中华老年医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Visual impairment is one of the common problems in the elderly,and regular screening should be considered for early detection as well as prevention.This article describes some of the common causes of vision loss in older adults,including cataracts,age-related macular degeneration,ametropia (presbyopia) and diabetic retinopathy.Patients with senile cataract should be offered a manifest refraction in the early stage,and surgical treatments are indicated when their vision is less than or equal to 0.4.Prevention and treatment of age-related macular degeneration may be achieved through medication or dietary adjustment.Vascular endothelial growth factor can be used in the treatment of neovascularage-related macular degeneration.Patients with presbyopia are advised to obtain a manifest refraction.Patients with diabetic retinopathy should be regularly offered an ocular fundus examination and receive early treatment when necessary,with particular attention paid to glycaemic control.