Loss of Vision
Eye Diseases Common in Older Persons
Some eye problems are minor but others can lead to a permanent loss of vision. It's important to have regular checkups.
A sudden change in vision or flashes of light could be important signals and you should see your eye doctor right away.
For seniors, the most common diseases of the eye include difficulty focusing up close, cataracts, glaucoma, and problems with the nerve layer at the back of the eye. >>More
Impaired Vision or Blindness
Some eye diseases can lead to impaired vision or blindness. Since these diseases progress slowly, the greatest loss will be in later years. In her document, "Sensory Changes in Later Life," Vicki Schmall says, "Misunderstood conversations can lead to suspiciousness, paranoia, disagreements, and alienation from family and friends. Older people who try to cope by responding to what they think is said may be viewed as cognitively impaired, rather than hearing impaired." Her helpful document can be downloaded here. >>Download
New Glasses More Often
There is a normal loss of focusing ability caused by hardening of the lens inside the eye. This process is a part of ageing and requires new glasses more often than younger people require.
One way to keep costs down for new glasses is to buy lenses only, using the old frames.
Another is to purchase inexpensive glasses for close-up work at the supermarket.
Seniors With Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. According to the National Institutes of Health, by age 80, more than half of all the people in the United States either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.
Modern cataract surgery is safe and effective. The Mayo Clinic offers an excellent article on cataract surgery. >>More
Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration is a serious disease and is the leading cause of blindness among people aged 65 and older.
A non-profit group, the Macular Degeneration Network says, "Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in the United States and many European countries. The neovascular "wet" form of the disease is responsible for most (90%) of the severe loss of vision.
There are approximately 200,000 new cases of wet macular degeneration in the United States each year. The average age of patients with the wet form of macular degeneration is the mid-70s. It rarely occurs before the age of 50.
Patients rarely lose all of their vision from macular degeneration. Though they have poor central vision, most can walk around, dress themselves, and perform many of their normal daily tasks." More
Dry Macular Degeneration normally affects vision less than the wet form. Reduction in central vision occurs gradually over many years and the disease does not normally cause a total loss of central vision. Recently, laser treatments are being recommended to treat this form of Macular Degeneration. >>More
Detached Retina
There is a sac inside the eye that is filled with a jelly-like material. As we age, that sac pulls away from the back of he eye. This is a normal part of the ageing process.
Sometimes, in the process of pulling away, the retina will tear and the result can be a detachment of the retina from the rear of the eye. Flashes and floaters may be symptoms of retinal detachment.
Detached retinas can be repaired with surgery, including laser surgery. >>More
Glaucoma
Most people have no early symptoms of Glaucoma and are unaware of their condition. Glaucoma can result in blindness if it goes untreated. Frequently, treatment involves painless eye drops at bedtime.>>More
