Eye Problems Every Senior Should Know About

Your risk of developing different conditions increases over time, which is why seniors should pay close attention to their health. This goes beyond caring for your body but also your eyes, ears, and teeth. When it comes to your vision, you’ll need regular eye exams to detect things like degeneration, retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. 

At Ventura Eye Institute in Camarillo, California, our professional team of eye care specialists provides regular, comprehensive eye exams to monitor your vision and eye health as you age.  

Common eye problems among seniors

Just as many seniors go deaf in old age, they can also go blind. While hearing loss is often caused by cumulative damage over the years, eye conditions are more complex. Four conditions are common among the elderly, and each has its own unique characteristics. 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

If the center of your vision seems to be failing, you might be experiencing macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss for people over 50. This age-related condition causes you to lose the ability to focus on details both up close and afar. Your peripheral vision might be clear, but your central vision is obscured. 

Diabetic retinopathy 

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when your blood sugar is high for long periods of time. This blocks off blood vessels in the eye and forces your body to make new ones. Unfortunately, these tend to leak into the eye, causing vision loss. Without proper treatment, unmanaged retinopathy can lead to retinal detachment and blindness. 

Cataracts 

One of the more well known causes of vision loss, but also the most easily treated. Cataracts cloud up the lens of the eye, making it difficult to see clearly. This causes faded colors, glare from lights, and even double vision. Luckily, your natural lens can be replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that will never cloud again. 

Glaucoma

Perhaps the most insidious threat of them all, glaucoma is a silent disease that only shows symptoms once vision loss has occurred. It’s caused by high pressure within the eye, which damages the optic nerve that sends images from your eyes to your brain. To spot glaucoma early and avoid permanent vision loss, you’ll need regular eye exams by a professional ophthalmologist. 

The importance of eye exams as you age

Because your risk of developing vision loss increases with age, you must accommodate that. Many people go much of their adult lives without regular eye exams, especially if they have naturally clear vision. However, if you wait for a problem to present itself, it might already be too late. 

After the age of 65, you should receive a comprehensive eye exam every other year. You might consider going annually if you have a family history of eye disease. Even if your results come back clear, it provides more information for your file and makes it easier to detect anomalies in the future. 

Read for your eye exam? Schedule an appointment by calling Ventura Eye Institute at 805-388-1211 or visit the contact page for more options.