Many senior citizens will experience vision problems at some point. There are so many different types of vision problems they could experience, as well. If you are helping with an elderly loved one, it is important to keep out for some of the most common vision problems. If your elderly loved one does have a vision problem, this could increase their risk of falling, which could cause them to become injured.
Presbyopia
One of the common vision problems elderly adults experience is called presbyopia. This is farsightedness that is caused due to age. If your elderly loved one has headaches or eyestrain after reading, can’t read smaller print, or needs bright lights to read something, they could have this condition. If your loved one experiences these symptoms, have them see their eye doctor. Eyeglasses could correct presbyopia.
Having Floaters
Your elderly loved one might experience floaters, as well. These are often due to aging, as well. While they aren’t necessarily dangerous to your elderly loved one’s vision, if they are having many floaters or an increase in floaters, they should see their eye doctor so they can check for retina issues.
Cataracts
Does your elderly loved one experience cloudy vision? If so, they could have cataracts. Research shows that once someone hits 80 years of age, they have a 50% chance of having cataracts. If your elderly loved one complains of double vision, seeing yellow colors in their vision, or have light sensitivity, they should get checked for cataracts.
Macular Degeneration
AMD or age-related macular degeneration could also happen to your elderly loved one. If your loved one has the dry form of this disease, it will develop over the course of years. However, if they have the wet form of this disease, it will develop quickly. Does your elderly loved one have central vision loss? If so, they could have this condition. It is important to know that macular degeneration is permanent. However, with laser treatments, the symptoms and progression can be delayed.
Glaucoma
As your elderly loved one gets older, they have a higher risk of getting glaucoma. If there is a family history of this condition, your elderly loved one has a higher risk of getting it, as well. Most of the time, elderly adults won’t experience any early symptoms of this condition. However, if it isn’t treated early enough, it can lead to blindness. It is important that you and elderly care providers make sure your elderly loved one is seeing the eye doctor at least once every year to get an eye exam. This way if your loved one has this condition it can be caught early.
These are some of the common vision problems in senior citizens. If you are helping care for your elderly loved one, be sure to keep an eye out for these conditions.
Sources
https://www.healthline.com/health/presbyopia
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/senior-years#1
https://www.visionaware.org/info/your-eye-condition/age-related-macular-degeneration-amd/symptoms-of-amd/125
When you are in need of care for a senior loved one, consider caregivers provided by Golden Heart Senior Care. We have offices nationwide. For more information, call us today at (800) 601-2792.
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