EXPLORE CAREERS HOME ABOUT COMMUNITIES LIVING OPTIONS RESOURCES BLOG CONTACT Vision Changes Seniors Shouldn’t Ignore by Shelley | Nov 22, 2021 | Healthy Aging Vision changes shouldn’t be ignored at any age, but especially if you are an older adult. That’s because the risk for eye disease increases as we age. Identifying small changes before they become big ones is essential for early intervention and treatment. Here’s what seniors should know about eye health and aging. Eye Conditions Common among Seniors Your risk of developing a vision problem increases with age. A few common types of eye disease seniors experience include: Floaters: Seeing floaters in your line of vision can occur as you age. They don’t usually pose a serious threat to eye health, but can be a sign that a retina is detaching. If you notice particles floating in your vision, call the doctor or go to the emergency room. Cataracts: By the age of 80, your risk for developing cataracts climbs to 50%. Cloudy or double vision, seeing a yellow tint to colors, and sensitivity to light are all warning signs. Fortunately, cataracts can be removed through a routine outpatient procedure. Untreated, however, this common eye condition can lead to blindness. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. Dry AMD progresses slowly and gets worse over time. By contrast, the wet form of AMD is very aggressive. It can actually cause vision loss in a matter of weeks. The main symptom is the loss of central vision. While the progression of the disease can be slowed by laser treatments, there isn’t a cure. Early intervention is essential. Glaucoma: This is another eye disease for which risk increases as you age. Family history also plays a role. The catch is there are no early symptoms. The main method of detection is a yearly visit to the eye doctor. Unfortunately, if it isn’t diagnosed and treated early, glaucoma can result in blindness. Vision Symptoms That Require Follow-Up If you notice any of the following vision changes, you should discuss them with an eye doctor: Yellow cast to field of vision Sensitivity to light Cloudy vision Eye twitch Inability to produce tears Burning, itching, or gritty feeling Straining to read Teary eyes Eyelid pain Swollen eyelids Trouble distinguishing green from blue Vision Changes That Are Red Flags While the vision changes outlined above should be addressed with your physician, other symptoms can be signs of a serious or life-threatening medical issue. Call 911 or your primary care physician if you experience any of the following: Double or blurry vision Sudden pain in or behind the eye Uncontrolled eye movement Abrupt loss of vision in one or both eyes Don’t wait to see if any of these red flags improve on their own. While it may be something minor, these symptoms are also linked to strokes and other neurological problems. Assisted Living Provides a Safe Environment for Seniors with Vision Loss If you or a senior family member have experienced vision loss, a move to an assisted living community might be a good solution. From step-free showers to good lighting, the environment is designed to support success. Call a Heritage Senior Community to learn more today! Recent Posts Vision Changes Seniors Shouldn’t Ignore Does Social Media Add to Caregiver Stress? Holiday Respite Services Help Busy Family Caregivers Helping a Parent Cope with Loss Winter Fitness Activities for Seniors Archives November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 Categories Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiving Dear Donna Healthy Aging Uncategorized RESOURCES ABOUT US EMPLOYMENT 950 Taylor Avenue Grand Haven, MI 49417 (616) 846-4700 – TRS Dial 711 FIND A COMMUNITY ASK A QUESTION Copyright ® / 2020 Heritage Senior Communities / Evenbound