A third of Americans have a vision-impairing eye problem by the age of 65. Diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma are the four primary age-related eye illnesses that affect older adults. Knowing the signs and treatments for each of these disorders can help you safeguard your eyesight and the vision of an aging loved one. Read on to find out more about eye problems in older adults.
Diabetic Retinopathy
This potentially blinding condition is a diabetic consequence. Diabetes produces aberrant alterations in the blood vessels of the retina, leading them to leak and develop in places they should not. These young vessels are prone to breaking and bleeding. The injured blood vessels will constrict and remove the retina as they try to recover. Diabetic retinopathy symptoms include eye pain, partial vision loss, distorted or blurred vision, and shadows that seem to “float” across your field of vision.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration significantly reduces eyesight by affecting the central vision. Although patients with macular degeneration are seldom entirely blind as a result of illness, many find it difficult to drive, read, and do other everyday activities. The macula, which is located in the middle of the retina and is important for central vision, is affected by this disorder.
There are frequently no visible signs in the early stages of macular degeneration. A person’s center vision will ultimately become fuzzy or wavy, and in severe situations, it may totally be gone. However, because the majority of the retina is physically healthy, peripheral vision is generally preserved. Even with some residual vision, persons with macular degeneration may struggle to notice tiny details and colors.
Cataracts
A cataract happens when the normally clear lens of the eye clouds up. The lens is made up of water and protein, however, if the protein clumps together, it can obstruct light transmission through the lens. If the cataract progresses and begins to impair vision, surgery to remove the hazy lens and replace it with a new one may be required. Cataract patients frequently complain of halos around lights, double vision in one eye, fuzzy or cloudy vision, or glare. Cataract surgery is the only procedure to restore eyesight loss caused by cataracts.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma develops when the pressure within the eye rises, causing optic nerve damage and vision loss or blindness. As there are frequently no first symptoms, up to one million people may develop glaucoma without recognizing it. Glaucoma has no evident symptoms at first. However, as the condition advances, a person suffering from glaucoma may notice that their peripheral vision steadily deteriorates. If left untreated, sufferers may endure deteriorating tunnel vision.
Choose Discovery Commons Cypress Point
At Discovery Commons Cypress Point, we offer three senior living options: assisted living, memory care, and respite care. All residents in our retirement community have access to our exclusive lifestyle programs, which are specially designed to reduce stress, provide convenience, and improve the quality of their health and lifestyle. In addition, we provide 24-hour professional care. The well-being of the elderly living with us is our utmost priority.
