Watch for these signs that could indicate a serious senior vision problem.
If you feel as though newspaper print is becoming smaller and smaller as you age, you’re in good company! The majority of us find ourselves challenged by trying to read the fine print, so to speak – holding printed materials at arm’s length, putting on a pair of reading glasses, or grabbing a magnifying glass.
Though not everyone is afflicted with senior vision issues, there are a few conditions that are more widespread than others. It’s important for each of us to visit the eye doctor on a yearly basis, regardless of whether any changes in vision are noticed, as a preventative measure and to enable the doctor to detect any of the more serious conditions early on, such as:
- Retinopathy: Retinopathy can develop in those with diabetes, which can cause a leak or blockage to the blood vessels in the back of the eye. It’s significant to note as well that diabetes is the top cause of loss of vision, making it particularly imperative for diabetics to stick to ongoing, routine check-ups with the eye doctor, and to be meticulous in their management of the disease.
- Macular Degeneration: As the name denotes, this condition arises when the tiny macula in the eye begins to break down, resulting in distorted sight when looking straight ahead. Surgical treatment can help in some instances, but it’s important for individuals diagnosed with macular degeneration to learn and use strategies to most effectively utilize their remaining peripheral vision. Macular degeneration does not lead to full blindness.
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma causes increased fluid pressure in the eye, ultimately causing injury to the optic nerve, and can cause blindness, in particular if left undiagnosed. Treatment methods can include surgery and/or eye drops to prevent vision loss from advancing.
- Cataracts: Extremely prevalent in older individuals, cataracts are the result of clouding of the lens, and can be rectified with a simple, safe, and efficient replacement of the cloudy lens with a new plastic lens.
If experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek medical assistance promptly:
- Sudden onset of vision loss which could signify the presence of retinal detachment, a hemorrhage, stroke, or other serious concern.
- A crossed eye or double vision, which may indicate a neurological problem such as a stroke.
- Eye pain can be caused by an infection, abrasion, increased eye pressure, or other serious concern. When this pain comes with nausea, vomiting, headache or the appearance of halos around lights, it could be a result of acute glaucoma.
- Light flashes can occur from a detaching retina.
- Sudden discharge from the eye or redness in one or both eyes can happen when there’s an infection.
One of the best home care agencies Columbia, MD and the surrounding area have to offer, Home With You Senior Care is always available to assist seniors in obtaining optimum eye health. We can provide accompanied transportation to doctors’ appointments, procedures, and checkups, observe any changes in eye health so that they’re addressed immediately, minimize the risk of falls in the home for those with vision problems, and so much more.
Contact us online or call us at 410-756-0959 to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation to learn more about our Columbia, MD senior care services!