3 Diseases That Can Cause Vision Problems in Older Adults
Vision changes are normal with aging. However, there are some eye diseases that can lead to abnormal vision loss and even blindness. The thing about eye problems is that they start slowly and they’re typically not painful, so many people don’t notice them starting or think they are part of aging.
One way you may be able to detect an eye problem is to pay attention to changes in behavior. For example, your aging relative may be sitting closer to the television than they once did. Or, an older adult with vision problems who once loved to read might stop reading. There are several different eye diseases that can cause vision loss in older adults.
3 of the more common ones are described below.
#1: Age-Related Macular Degeneration
The number one cause of vision loss in people aged 65 and older is age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. AMD is a disease in which the macula, the part of the retina responsible for clear vision when the person looks straight ahead, is damaged. The disease usually progresses slowly and is painless. Over time, the senior develops a blurry spot in their central vision. This can make it hard to see people’s faces or read. There’s no cure for AMD, but there are treatments that can slow vision loss and may even improve vision.
#2: Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Normally, the lens is clear, and light passes easily through it. A cataract blocks the light and affects vision. They can make the world look hazy. People with cataracts typically have trouble reading and may complain of blurry vision. If cataracts become too bad, they can be treated with surgery.
#3: Glaucoma
When a person develops glaucoma, the optic nerve has been damaged. This usually happens because of increased pressure inside the eye. The increased pressure is due to a blockage that doesn’t allow the fluid inside the eye to flow the way it should. There are no symptoms during the early stages of the disease, so it’s important for seniors to have their eyes checked regularly. The disease can be treated with medications and sometimes surgery.
If your aging relative is suffering from vision loss, a home care services provider can help them with the tasks that poor vision makes difficult. Home care services providers can read mail and emails to the senior. A home care services provider can even read novels, magazines, and newspapers to the older adult. In addition, home care services providers can help seniors with vision loss to navigate the world safely, avoiding things that could cause a fall and keeping them from bumping into things.
Sources: https://dailycaring.com/catch-aging-eyes-problems-before-major-vision-loss/
https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0701/p99.html
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/vision-problems-aging-adults#1
