Vision loss is one of the most common health problems among the elderly. About one out of every three people over 65 suffer from an eye disease that reduces vision. Vision loss in the elderly is most commonly caused by age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. In the elderly, diabetic retinopathy may occur during the first few years of diabetes. Therefore, a regular eye doctor appointment is essential, especially if you have diabetes.
How does aging affect your vision?
The aging process sometimes weakens your vision and eyes, but there are steps you can take to maintain long-term eye health and vision. You can prevent accidents caused by weak eyesight by using brighter lights around the house or seeing your doctor more frequently to screen for aging-related diseases.
Age-related vision loss
Several eye problems are more prevalent as people age, but they can affect anyone at any age. However, you can reduce discomfort and improve vision with a few simple steps, regardless of age. Age-related eye problems include the following:
● Presbyopia
A person with presbyopia is unable to see close objects or small prints. Presbyopia develops gradually over a lifetime. It may take you until you reach 35 or 40 to notice any changes. While reading or doing other close work, some people get headaches or “tired eyes.”
● Floaters and flashers
A floater is a tiny spot or speck that floats across the field of vision. Floaters are often normal but can sometimes be signs of retinal detachment, especially if they appear along with light flashes.
● Dry eyes
In dry eyes, tears do not produce enough or are of poor quality. A dry eye can be uncomfortable, causing itching, burning, and even vision loss. When dry eyes become more severe, surgery may be necessary.
● Epiphora (Tearing)
Light, wind, or temperature changes can cause tears or too many tears. Sometimes, wearing sunglasses or shielding your eyes can solve the problem. A blocked tear duct or an eye infection may also cause tears. Furthermore, dry eyes are easily irritated, resulting in excessive tears. Both of these conditions can be treated or corrected by your eye doctor.
Identifying and preventing age-related eye problems
Age-related vision loss or eye diseases and problems become more prevalent with time, but they can often be prevented if you:
- Make sure you see your family physician regularly to check for diseases that can cause eye problems, such as diabetes.
- Make sure you see your ophthalmologist or optometrist every year. When eye diseases are detected early, they can be treated. An eye doctor should perform a complete eye examination. By putting drops in your eyes, your eye doctor can dilate or enlarge your pupils. The doctor will also check glaucoma and eyesight.
- Diabetes patients and those with a family history of eye disease should have an eye exam with pupil dilation every year. You should consult an eye doctor if you experience the sudden loss of vision, blurred vision, eye pain, double vision, redness, swelling, or discharge from your eyes.
Final Words
It is possible to improve your vision and maintain good eye health regardless of whether you have an age-related sight condition. Take special precautions if you have diabetes or a family history of eye disease, and see your eye doctor regularly for comprehensive eye exams.Visit Vision Loss Resources for more information. Consider senior home assistance services like a caregiver to help them with errands or to participate in activities with them. The Optimal Senior Care Solutions care team will be happy to assist you. Reach out to us today!
