Segment in ¡Que buen día! with Dr. Gabriela Ávila
Dr. Gabriela Ávila talks about the most common eye diseases in senior adults.
On October 22nd, Dr. Gabriela Avila (Specialist in Glaucoma Surgery, Cataract Surgery, and Refractive Surgery) was invited to participate in an interview on the local TV program ¡Que buen día!, where she had the opportunity to discuss the most common eye diseases in older adults, as well as warning signs to detect them early.
The discussion first focused on presbyopia, which was explained as one of the most common conditions seen in consultations. It is an age-related condition that makes it difficult for the eyes to focus on nearby objects.
The doctor mentioned that this condition typically manifests after the age of 40 as a normal part of aging, caused by the degeneration of the natural lens inside the eye. This happens because, over time, the lens loses its elasticity, leading to focusing problems when trying to see up close.
To correct this problem, it is necessary to visit an ophthalmologist to assess whether reading glasses are needed or if another type of treatment is required. Fortunately, today there are surgical options available to correct presbyopia. Depending on the patient’s age, they can be offered either laser correction (PresbiLASIK) or the insertion of a trifocal or monofocal lens (Refractive Lens Exchange and IOL Surgery).
The next topic discussed was cataracts and the warning signs to watch for early detection. This condition usually begins to manifest after the age of 55. It occurs because the lens loses its transparency. At a certain point, cataracts will hinder clear vision and must be removed.
One sign that cataracts may be forming in the eyes is when, despite getting a new prescription for glasses, you still struggle to see clearly.
the doctor comented
Finally, the discussion focused on glaucoma. The doctor explained that one of the main risk factors is race, as Latin Americans are genetically more prone to developing glaucoma after the age of 55. Another factor to consider is family medical history.
More than half of my patients have no family history of glaucoma. They usually don’t show symptoms, and it’s during the examination that we find high eye pressures and other characteristics of the condition.
The interview concluded by emphasizing the importance of having an eye exam every year starting at the age of 40. This way, individuals can ensure that their vision is in perfect condition and help prevent the development of eye diseases in the future.
We thank the program ¡Que buen día! for providing the platform to share such vital information with the public for their visual health.
You can watch the full segment here: Segment with Dr. Gabriela Avila about the most common eye diseases in older adults