Vision changes are more common as we age. It’s crucial to learn about the prevalent visual issues among our loved ones. Although some risk factors for vision loss are inevitable, others can be avoided. To prevent such issues from getting worst, early intervention and treatment are critical in understanding the risk factors as well as the warning signs. Here are some causes of vision impairment as you age.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Macular degeneration is a long-term eye disease that causes central vision loss due to damage to the macula, located at the center of the retina. Central vision loss is common with AMD while peripheral vision is usually unaffected. Regrettably, there are no warning indicators that something is wrong hence, it’s important to visit your eye specialist for an annual exam and screening.
Aside from age, here are some risk factors for AMD:
- Being overweight or obese
- High-fat diet
- Smoking
- Family history of AMD
- History of high blood pressure
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 60. It occurs when the optic nerve in the back of the eye is injured. The symptoms aren’t often visible. Hence, your loved ones may not recognize that they have a problem until the condition has progressed. An annual vision test is the best technique to identify glaucoma since it causes the eye pressure to shift.
Here are some risk factors for glaucoma:
- Being excessively farsighted or nearsighted
- Experiencing an eye trauma or having a previous eye surgery
- Frequently use corticosteroid medications, especially eye drops
- Family history of glaucoma
- Being black, Asian, or Hispanic
While glaucoma can’t be cured, it can be managed with continued treatment if identified early.
Cataracts
A basic symptom of a cataract would be a cloudy area in the eye that will cause your eyesight to deteriorate, making daily tasks more difficult to do. Cataracts can harm one or both eyes and develop slowly. It may be difficult for your loved ones to read, drive or even watch television if they do suffer from cataracts. Some possible symptoms would be fading colors, difficulty with bright lights, and seeing at night. While many are aware of the symptoms, they may underestimate the importance of seeing a doctor. Cataracts can hurt your loved one’s vision if left untreated.
Besides aging, there are risk factors that may contribute to cataracts:
- Previous eye injury
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Family history of cataracts
However, cataract surgery has evolved, and it has become a relatively simple surgical procedure with a high rate of success.
Detached Retina
Our chances of having a torn or detached retina rise as we age. A sudden bout of blurry vision might occur because of the condition. Warning signs include flashes in your line of sight or shadows in your peripheral vision. Some medications could increase your chances of developing a detached retina. A detached retina can cause lifelong blindness if not addressed promptly.
Some risk factors include:
- Nearsightedness
- Previous eye injury
- A detached retina in the other eye
- Family history
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