As you age, you may find yourself encountering more and more vision issues that can be frustrating when they affect your daily living. Learn more about four age-related vision issues that commonly affect older adults, and if they are any cause for concern.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a common age-related vision issue, affecting up to 24.4 million Americans aged 40 and above. They occur when a part of or the entire lens of your eye becomes clouded. Symptoms of cataracts include blurred vision, impaired color vision, night blindness and seeing double. Cataracts develop slowly over time and you may not encounter any symptoms at all. However, without treatment, your eyesight will continue to deteriorate and lead to severe visual impairment.
Cataract surgery is hence recommended for most patients. It is a short and painless procedure involving the removal of the clouded area of your lens and replacing it with an artificial one. It is also highly successful, with up to 90% of patients reporting an improvement in their eyesight after surgery.
Floaters in Vision
Floaters are small specks and shapes that move across your vision. While it is normal to have floaters, a sudden increase in the number of floaters you see can indicate a potentially serious issue. When floaters are seen with flashes of light, it can be a sign that your retina has detached from the tissues in the back of your eye. If left untreated, retinal detachment can lead to blindness. Hence, it is imperative to seek medical advice if you encounter any changes in the number and type of floaters you see, or if you experience light flashes along with them.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve in the back of your eye is damaged, usually because of high pressure in the eye. It is usually asymptomatic and undetectable unless you undergo a dilated eye exam by a medical professional. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss and blindness. Hence, it is important to go for regular eye checks. Treatment options for glaucoma include prescription eyedrops, medication and in worse cases, surgery.
Dry Eyes
You can experience dry eyes when your tear ducts do not produce enough tears or produce poor quality tears. You may experience itching, burning, or notice some redness and inflammation in your cornea. While usually not serious, dry eyes can leave you at a higher risk of eye infections. Rubbing your eyes frequently can also cause abrasion to your corneal surface, leading to ulcer formation and even vision loss after a prolonged period of time. Your doctor can prescribe eyedrops to stimulate tear production. Alternatively, placing a humidifier in your room can help with dry eyes.
Worry-Free Living at Our Retirement Community
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