As we age, our vision
declines much like other parts of our bodies.
So while some loss of vision is normal, there are other signs that may
be an indication of more serious medical problems.
Presbyopia is a normal
condition of the eyes that starts around the age of forty and is the hardening
of the lens. It causes the eye not to
focus as well on objects close at hand.
While it is easily corrected by reading glasses or multi-lens glasses,
it does continue to worsen as we age. Generally
people need stronger and stronger prescriptions through the years or several
different sets of glasses for different tasks.
There are surgical procedures called conductive keratoplasty or
monovision lasik that can be done to correct the problem.
Cataracts, which are a
clouding of the eyes’ lens, are so common among seniors and easily treated that
they are now considered a normal part of the aging process. Surgery is very
safe, and in most cases, the doctor removes the cloudy lens and replaces it
with a plastic lens.
Glaucoma is another
disease that strikes mainly older people and is caused by too much fluid
pressure inside the eyes. There is no
pain associated with early stages of glaucoma and it may lead to vision loss
and blindness. It can be treated so
early detection is important.
Vision Aware, the American
Foundation for the Blind recommends contacting your doctor if you experience
any of the following changes in your vision:
- severe. sudden eye pain
- recurrent pain in or around the eye
- hazy, blurred, or double vision
- seeing flashes of light or sudden bright floating spots
- seeing rainbows or halos around lights
- seeing floating "spider webs"
- seeing a "curtain coming down" over one eye
- unusual, even painful, sensitivity to light or glare
- swollen, red eyes
- changes in the color of the iris
- white areas in the pupil or the eye
- sudden development of persistent floaters
- itching, burning, or a heavy discharge in the eyes
- any sudden change in vision
There are several other
vision problems that can lead to blindness.
Macular degeneration (also called age-related macular degeneration or
AMD) is one of those. It is the leading
cause of vision loss or blindness among older Americans. The All About Vision website states: “Early
signs of vision loss from AMD include shadowy areas in your central vision or
unusually fuzzy or distorted vision. An Amsler
grid (used to diagnose AMD) consists of straight lines, with a reference dot in
the center. Someone with macular degeneration may see some of the lines as wavy
or blurred, with some dark areas at the center.”
It is very important for
seniors to have regular eye check-ups and see their doctor if something changes. Eye diseases can be very serious and early
intervention is important.
For
informational purposes only, please consult your health care provider if you
have any questions regarding your health.
MorningStarof Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us
apart from other senior communities.
Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous
setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and
hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.
We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.
allaboutvision.com/conditions/amd.htm,
http://www.mayoclinic.org/
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