Aging can take a toll on your body in several ways, from sagging skin to extra weight around the midriff and the onset of chronic health issues. Your eyesight may also bear the brunt of aging. Did you know that one in three Americans sustain vision impairment by the age of 65? That’s an alarming number for seniors, right?
But the good thing is that most vision problems are treatable, provided you get a timely diagnosis and intervention. Everything boils down to being vigilant and acting fast when you notice the slightest issues with your eyesight. Awareness keeps you a step ahead in this context.
Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of common vision problems that seniors need to watch out for. Here you go!
Cataracts
Aging adults experience cataracts more often than any other eyesight-related issue. The lens gets cloudy over the years, which leads to blurry vision. The reason for developing cataracts may go beyond aging, as factors like smoking and diabetes elevate the risk.
However, a simple surgical procedure can resolve the issue. The surgeon removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial one to restore your eyesight.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a reason to worry because it seldom has symptoms in the early stages, so it can catch you by surprise. The disease is caused by the pressure build-up in the eye, which damages the optic nerve. It can cause permanent vision loss if you fail to seek help.
Timely treatment can lower eye pressure and prevent nerve damage. But it is possible only with regular eye exams and early diagnosis.
Retinal tears
Did you know that aging eyes are prone to retinal tears? The risk is high if you have glaucoma and extreme nearsightedness. The bigger concern is that retinal tears cause some degree of vision changes for seniors.
You may experience flashes of light, sudden blurry vision, shadows or veils, or decreased peripheral vision. Timely detection and prompt repair of tears can save you from dire complications such as severe vision loss.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
AMD leads to a deterioration of central vision, affecting day-to-day activities such as reading, driving, and watching TV. Dry AMD is the common form of this condition, while wet AMD is rare but progresses more rapidly.
Unfortunately, AMD is not curable, but timely intervention can slow its progression and help you save your vision.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a natural decline in near vision over the years. As you age, you find it hard to read a book or check your phone up close. It happens because the lenses in your eye lose flexibility over the years.
But the condition is the easiest to address with reading glasses. You may even feel comfortable by just holding your book or phone a little farther away.
Wrapping up
Clear vision is a blessing, but you cannot expect to retain it throughout your lifetime. You may encounter several age-related issues, but regular eye exams can prevent long-term issues. The key lies in catching these conditions early and getting timely treatment. Be aware of your risk factors and watch out for signs of eye problems. Also, get regular checks to take a preventive approach.
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