As we age, our vision naturally declines to some degree, but three common eye conditions, in particular, can cause serious vision problems for older adults. Let’s explore three vision problems that are commonly found in aging adults.

1. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve due to abnormally high pressure in the eye. While it can affect people of all ages, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in adults over age 60.

Vision loss caused by glaucoma is irreversible, and if left untreated, can cause blindness, so it’s important to get regular eye exams that measure eye pressure to catch glaucoma early on. 

Symptoms

The symptoms of glaucoma depend on the particular type of glaucoma and how far it has progressed. Common symptoms include:

• Patchy blind spots in your central or peripheral vision
• Tunnel vision (in more advanced stages)
• Eye pain
• Severe headaches
• Seeing halos around lights
• Blurry vision
• Redness and irritation 

Treatment

Treatment for glaucoma involves lowering the pressure in the eye to prevent further damage. The most common treatments for this condition include:

• Eyedrops
• Oral medications
• Surgery

Your eye doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, including eating a healthy diet, sleeping with your head elevated, limiting your caffeine and staying active.

2. Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration, or ARMD, is an eye condition that occurs when the macula, a part of the retina, is damaged. It’s is the leading cause of vision loss in people over age 50. 

There are two types of ARMD:

• Dry: Most people who have ARMD have the dry type. As you age, your macula gets thinner while a type of protein called drusen builds up. Vision loss is slow.
• Wet: Although less common, the wet type of AMD is much more serious. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels start growing under the retina. Vision loss progresses much more quickly with this type of AMD.

Symptoms

• Common symptoms of AMD include:
• Blurry vision
• Loss of central vision
• Blind spots at the center of vision
• Difficulty seeing fine details, such as fine print

Treatment

Currently, there is no permanent treatment for dry AMD. In early stages of dry ARMD, however, treatment may include low vision rehabilitation, which is designed to help you compensate for loss of central vision by adapting to better leverage your peripheral vision. 

3. Cataracts

Caused by clouding of the eye lens, cataracts are another common condition in older adults, occurring in more than half of adults over age 80. 

Cataracts develop slowly over time, and will eventually cause vision loss.

Symptoms

• Common signs and symptoms of cataracts include:
• Clouded or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light or seeing halos around lights
• Poor night vision
• Double vision in one eye

Treatment

Initially, prescription glasses can help keep your vision clear. Eventually, the condition will progress to the point where surgery is necessary.

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the world and one of the safest, and it’s the only effective treatment for cataracts.

Regular visits with your ophthalmologist and comprehensive eye exams can help detect these three serious eye conditions early, allowing for proactive treatment to maintain your sight.

For your next eye exam, trust the experts at North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care. Our talented and experienced staff have helped thousands of aging adults, and we would be honored to help you, too.

Contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300.