You may already know that vision loss become more common with age. If your elderly parent didn’t need eyeglasses before, they may find that they now require them. And that’s not all: a variety of problems, ranging from glaucoma to cataracts, can also occur. While you may not be able to do anything about some of the risk factors for vision loss, early detection and intervention is key to ensuring the best outcomes.
In this article, we share with you some of the common causes of vision loss in older adults.
Glaucoma
Did you know the glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults over 60? The unfortunate thing is that some older adults may not notice symptoms until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. The best way to catch glaucoma early is to attend your annual vision exams diligently. This is because glaucoma causes high pressure to change and regular testing will be able to detect that.
Some risk factors for glaucoma include having a family history of it, being nearsighted, having undergone a previous eye surgery or the excessive use of eye drops. There is currently no cure for glaucoma, but it can be managed better with ongoing treatment when detected early.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration causes a loss of central vision. However, you will find that the peripheral vision does not experience any change. Just like with glaucoma, there are not many warning signs, and the best way to detect AMD is through attending annual vision testing. Risk factors for AMD include being overweight, being a smoker, having a history of high blood pressure as well as a family history of AMD.
Cataracts
Because of how common cataracts are, most older adults are familiar with the warning signs. Cataracts cause cloudy vision that can make it hard to complete daily activities. From reading and watching television, this can even extend to driving, which can make being on the road dangerous for your elderly parent. One good thing about cataracts is that they can be removed by undergoing a minor surgery that usually has a successful outcome.
Detached Retina
The risk factors for developing a detached retina include a previous eye injury, nearsightedness, as well as having a detached retina in the other eye. It’s important to get timely medical attention for a detached retina as it can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated. Some warning signs of a detached retina include sudden blurry vision as well as seeing flashes or shadows in your peripheral vision.
Explore Long-Term Care Options for Your Elderly Parent with Vision Loss
If your elderly parent is experiencing vision loss and you are concerned about them living alone, have you considered making long term care options? When you opt for assisted living in a retirement community, you can be sure that your parents will receive all the full range of care they need. This includes health and wellness programs to keep them in tiptop physical shape for longer!
