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Ocular Diseases in the Elderly

Article information

J Korean Med Assoc. 2005;48(3):226-235
Publication date (electronic) : 2005 March 31
doi : https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2005.48.3.226
Choun-Ki Joo, M.D.
Department of Ophthalmology & Laboratory of Visual Science, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, Korea. ckjoo@catholic.ac.kr

Abstract

The proportion of elderly patients is growing gradually in the field of ophthalmology, and the most common disease is cataract. The biggest concern of patients is the disturbance of their visual acuity, but diseases causing symptoms other than visual problems are also important. Although the most common cause of visual impairment in the elderly is cataract, we should be reminded that retinal diseases are increasing nowadays, such as age-related maculopathy, diabetic retinopathy, and hypertensive retinopathy. Other common diseases in the elderly include senile entropion, dermatochalasia, blepharitis, dry eye, pterygium, pinguecula, arcus senilis, senile cataract, age-related maculopathy, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. When managing eye troubles in elderly patients, we should also pay attention to their underlying systemic diseases and potential effects of medications they are taking. Physicians should always bear in mind that appropriate management of ophthalmologic problems in elderly patients is directly related to their quality of life.

Keywords: Old aged patients; Ocular disease; Visual impairment; Systemic disease

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Copyright © 2005 Korean Medical Association

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