Blurred vision, image distortion, central scotoma. The etiological link between drusen and AMD, however, remains unclear. Patients should be aware that the laser procedure may halt the degenerative process, at least temporarily, but will not restore vision. Glaucoma, a visual field loss caused by increased pressure in the vitreous that damages the optic nerve, affects one million Americans 65 and older and is the leading cause of blindness among African Americans. The disease develops more frequently and earlier among African Americans, and may be detected as early as age 40.
Patients often remain asymptomatic until the disease has progressed significantly.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that people older than 45 undergo comprehensive eye examinations every two years, and every year if they have risk factors for glaucoma. Older patients with cataracts may complain of blurred vision or glare. The most common cause of blindness worldwide, cataracts are a less important cause of vision impairment in the United States because of the availability and efficacy of outpatient cataract surgery. Anyone with diabetes may develop diabetic eye disease. Diabetic retinopathy affects many middle-aged and older Americans, who are at risk of Type 2 diabetes.