The human body can encounter several diseases throughout life whether they are genetic or acquired. Many times diseases are age related and others are genetic that someone is born with. Some diseases of the special senses are Age related macular disease, glaucoma, cataracts, detaches retina, deafness, Meniere’s disease, and Ataxia. Each caused from something different and each effecting everyday life of an individual.
Age related Macular disease is also referred to as Macular degeneration. It is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50. It is caused from damage done the macular which is the smallest part on the retina. Once damage is done to the macula, the individual’s eyesight may become dark, discolored, blurry, or distorted. This causes overall eyesight loss and damage to everyday eyesight.
Glaucoma, is increased pressure inside the eyes. Intraocular pressure is the increased pressure overtime, the increased pressure causes damage to the optic nerve in which images are transmitting through the optic nerve to the brain. Damage from glaucoma causes blindness. This typically occurs in individuals over the age of 40 whose aqueous humor is not flowing properly.
Cataracts is the clouding of the eye lenses typically causing blurred or discolored vision. Individuals who develop cataracts usually have one or more previous eyesight issues. Cataracts is treated with a surgery that removes the clouded lenses and replaces it with a clear one.
Detached Retina, is when the retina is detached from its connective tissue, thusly being unable to function, causing permanent vision loss. Detached Retina is often noticed when the individual sees spots, flashes of light and quick blurring of vision. Most detached retinas occur from an eye injury. Surgery is required to attach the retina in a timely manner before the vision is lost completely.
Deafness is the complete loss of hearing, this can be evident at birth or acquired later in life. The most common causes to deafness that is acquired is chronic ear infections, loud noises, and some toxic medications. Most causes of deafness are reversible with a hearing aid and medication such as ear drops.
Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes severe dizziness, ringing in the ear and hearing loss over time. Another symptom individuals experience is the feeling of “fullness” of ear wax inside the ear. It can occur at any age but is more likely to occur between ages 40-60. It is commonly treated with an oral medication but sometimes requires surgery to relieve the pressure in the inner ear.
Ataxia is the lack of bodily muscle control. This may cause speech impediments, involuntary eye movements, or no eye movements, the inability to swallow, or other simple muscle movements. Ataxia is diagnosed in three different forms: Cerebellar Ataxia this is a dysfunction of the cerebellum which controls the coordination of motor control. Sensory Ataxia causes loss of propirection meaning the ability to know where one body part is in relation to another body part. Vestibular Ataxia means the individual may experience vertigo, nausea, and vomiting.