Senior citizens, especially those with diabetes, should ensure they get their eyes checked regularly in order to catch treatable eye conditions early. — Filepic
As the global population ages, the frequency of visual disabilities is becoming a significant public health challenge.
In Malaysia, where the ageing population is growing rapidly, visual impairment and blindness are rising concerns.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 2.2 billion people globally suffer from vision impairment or blindness, and this number is projected to increase with the ageing demographic.
The 2018 Malaysian National Eye Survey revealed that over 400,000 Malaysians aged 50 and above suffer from visual impairment.
While cataracts are the leading cause, other eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular oedema and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are also on the rise.
These conditions are particularly concerning because they can lead to irreversible blindness if not detected and treated promptly.
Detect early to preserve vision
Good vision is crucial for maintaining quality of life, independence and overall well-being, particularly among the elderly.
In Malaysia, where the rate of diabetes is high, the importance of eye health cannot be overstated.
Diabetes significantly increases the risk of developing eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema.
According to the International Diabetes Federation, Malaysia has one of the highest diabetes rates in Asia, with nearly 18% of the adult population affected.
Many Malaysians are unaware of the impact of diabetes on their eyesight and the necessity of regular eye check-ups.
Public health campaigns and educational programmes can play a vital role in informing the population about the risks and preventive measures for maintaining eye health.
Early detection and timely management of eye conditions are paramount in preserving vision and preventing blindness.
Regular eye examinations can help detect problems before they become severe.
For conditions like diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular oedema and AMD, early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss.
The importance of routine eye screenings, particularly for individuals with diabetes and those over 50, cannot be emphasised enough.
Healthcare providers should encourage patients to undergo annual eye exams and educate them about the symptoms of common eye diseases.
Early detection not only helps in managing these conditions effectively, but also reduces the long-term healthcare costs associated with the advanced stages of eye diseases.
Common ageing eye diseases
While there are numerous eye conditions that can affect vision; diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular oedema and AMD are among the most common and debilitating for the ageing population.
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication in diabetic patients that affects the blood vessels of the retina.
It is one of the leading causes of blindness in working-age adults.
Symptoms may include floaters, blurriness and dark areas of vision.
The early stages often have no symptoms and this is why regular eye examinations are needed.
Diabetic macular oedema occurs when fluid accumulates in the macula – the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision.
This condition can lead to vision loss and significantly impact daily activities.
Symptoms include blurry vision, colours appearing washed out and difficulty reading.
Meanwhile, AMD is a leading cause of vision loss among people over 50 years of age.
It affects the macula, leading to a loss of central vision.
There are two types of AMD; dry and wet.
Dry AMD progresses slowly and causes gradual vision loss, while wet AMD is more severe and may cause rapid vision loss.
Treatments and technological advancements
Advancements in medical technology and treatment options have provided new hope for individuals facing various conditions.
Here are some of the latest solutions and innovations:
Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections are a common treatment for wet AMD and diabetic macular oedema.
These medications help reduce the fluid leakage, which in turn preserves, and in many cases, improves the condition.
Laser is used to treat certain types of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema.
The laser seals or destroys leaking blood vessels, preventing further vision loss.
These devices release medication over a long period and can reduce the frequency of treatments.
They release and maintain a consistent concentration of the drug in the eye, improving outcomes for patients with chronic conditions.
Gene therapy is an emerging field with the potential to treat various eye conditions.
By targeting specific genes responsible for eye diseases, this therapy aims to correct underlying genetic defects, offering a long-term solution for preventing vision loss.
AI is revolutionising the early detection and management of eye diseases.
AI-powered diagnostic tools can analyse retinal images with high accuracy, identifying eye diseases earlier than traditional methods.
These tools can be integrated into routine eye exams, enhancing early intervention and treatment.
Telemedicine platforms allow patients to receive eye care consultations remotely.
This is particularly beneficial for individuals in rural or underserved areas who may not have easy access to eye specialists.
Telemedicine can facilitate timely referrals, as well as follow-ups.
Maintaining visual health
As Malaysia’s population ages, addressing vision health is more critical than ever.
The challenges posed by eye diseases require a concerted effort from healthcare providers, policymakers and the community.
By raising awareness, promoting regular eye examinations and leveraging the latest medical advancements; we can preserve the vision of our ageing population and enhance their quality of life.
Early detection and timely management are key to preventing blindness and maintaining independence among the elderly.
With ongoing research and innovation, the future of eye care looks promising.
Ensuring that these advancements are accessible to all will be crucial in safeguarding the vision health of Malaysia’s ageing population.
Dr Wilson Wong Jun Jie is a consultant ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
