Ask The Experts- March 2017

Dear Red Hot Mamas,

Can you tell me what to do about aging eyes and ears?

Sally

Dear Sally,

Good question. It is important to pay attention to changes that occur with aging as several can easily be treated.  The most common changes that occur with normal aging of the eye are: farsightedness; visual difficulty with color, light, and adapting to the dark; and developing floaters.  There are certain diseases that are also common as we age, which can lead to blindness if untreated.  They include cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.  That is why it is very important for you to get regular eye checkups which should also include a dilated eye exam and a test of the intraocular pressure for glaucoma, once a year.  Please remember any loss of vision, or eye symptom should be evaluated immediately by your eye doctor.  And, protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses.

Hearing loss (presbycusis) is very common as we age.  You should contact your clinician immediately if you notice hearing loss in only one ear; a sudden onset of hearing loss; dizziness or headaches or ear pain; hearing only low frequency sounds, or rapidly progressive hearing loss.  Any of these symptoms may indicate that something more is going on rather than simple aging.  It’s important for you to get a baseline audiogram so that your hearing can be followed over time.  And when listening to the radio or TV, turn down the volume.  Please report any noticeable changes in your hearing to your clinician.

Thank you for writing to us.