Changes in vision are not uncommon as we age. Older adults who notice a decrease in vision may accept this as a normal and expected process, but some serious eye problems can also develop in our later years.
As an older adult or caregiver, it’s important to know the common eye problems older adults can experience. In addition, knowing the warning signs of eye problems in older adults, and when you should see your doctor for further evaluation can help avoid permanent vision loss. We’ll discuss this in detail, as well as tips for maintaining eye health and adapting to vision changes as an older adult.
Common eye conditions in older adults
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the risk for vision problems increases significantly after age 65. 1 For most people it is normal to experience refractive errors such as far-sightedness (presbyopia) after age 45, with symptoms worsening into their 60s. 2 This is why bifocals and reading glasses are commonly needed by older adults.
Beyond this age-related change, there are several eye conditions that can happen more commonly in older adults: 3
- Cataracts- these cloudy areas can develop on the lens of the eye, causing blurry vision. They can be removed surgically.
- Glaucoma- this problem usually involves increased pressure in the eye, affecting the optic nerve and leading to vision loss and blindness if untreated.
- Retinal disorders- the retina is a layer of the eye that affects the transfer of visual images to the brain. Older adults may experience these retinal problems:
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- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)- this causes loss of vision and distorted vision
- Diabetic retinopathy- older adults with diabetes are at risk for this type of eye damage, which can lead to blindness if not treated
- Retinal detachment- adults over age 50 and those who have had cataract surgery are at higher risk of this problem, which can cause permanent vision loss. 4
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- Dry eyes- decreased tear production and dry eyes often occur with age. In fact, your risk of experiencing this problem equals your age in years- so at age 70, you have a 70% chance of dry eye.5 Your ophthalmologist can recommend treatment to reduce symptoms.
Symptoms of eye problems in older adults
Because some of the vision problems described above can begin to develop without discomfort or obvious symptoms, the American Optometric Association recommends eye exams for adults age 65 and older at least annually. 6 You can ask your doctor if they recommend more frequent eye exams based on your medical history.
Common symptoms of eye problems in older adults include:
- Difficulty seeing up close
- Noticing your eyes adjust more slowly to changes in lighting
- Trouble with distinguishing colors
- Blurry vision
- Problems with recognizing faces
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) lists the following symptoms as signs of an eye emergency requiring immediate medical care: 7
- Suddenly not being able to see or having new blurry vision
- Eye pain
- Double vision
- Redness or swelling of the eye or eyelid
- Sudden new floaters (specks or cobwebs in your field of vision) or flashes of light
Vision tips for older adults
In addition to being proactive about regular eye exams to detect developing eye problems, there are some general health behaviors that can positively impact your vision. The CDC recommends the following for better eye health: 8
- Eat a healthy diet high in antioxidants- this includes dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, and collard greens
- Quit or avoid smoking- this is a risk factor for eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration
- Talk to your doctor about family history- some eye problems run in families, so it’s important to discuss this with your doctor. They may recommend additional screening
Strategies for adapting to vision impairment
Even with the best care, you may experience some vision loss as you age. Your eye doctor can help to treat any ongoing eye conditions and maintain the correct prescription for corrective eyewear. Along with this, there are some helpful tips for adapting to vision problems and avoiding problems like falls due to decreased eyesight:
- Improve indoor lighting- adding additional lighting to rooms can help you see more clearly. Use technology to help you turn on lights more easily: smart outlets and light bulbs can help you automatically turn on and off lights so you’re not fumbling in the dark for a switch.
- Add colored tape to the edge of stairs- this makes each step easier to identify so you don’t miss any stairs and lose your footing.
- Upsize household and personal devices- some phones and tablets come with larger screens and buttons to help people who are visually impaired. A larger TV can be easier to watch. Large print books, magnifying glasses, or E-readers with enlarged text can make reading more accessible. Use clocks with large numbers.
- Eliminate clutter- not only can disorganized spaces make items harder to see, they can also result in trip hazards. Make sure there is a clear pathway through the house and that electrical cords and throw rugs have been removed.
- Use contrasting colors- dark colors against light backgrounds are easier to see, so for example, choosing a dark non-slip mat for a white bathroom floor is the best option, or using brightly colored potholders in the kitchen can help them stand out.
- Change your driving habits- if vision challenges are affecting your driving, be sure to discuss with your doctor whether it’s still safe for you to drive. Opting to avoid nighttime driving, or choosing alternatives to get around may be better options.
- Ask about a vision rehabilitation therapist- these certified vision therapy specialists can help you adapt to vision changes and recommend assistive devices for your unique situation.
Vision changes don’t have to hold you back
Promptly treating many of the eye problems discussed above can prevent worsening of vision problems and increase your quality of life. Even with some vision loss, it is possible to adapt your environment and behaviors to increase your independence in spite of any limitations.
Along with discussing the best treatment options with your doctor and adding strategies that help you overcome low vision, discussing any vision concerns with friends and family can help them understand how to best support you if you experience challenges.
Many older adults are embarrassed to talk about changes that make them seem less capable or independent. But if your loved ones only suspect difficulties, they don’t have the opportunity to offer to help in ways that could improve your independence, like helping with transportation to and from your favorite activities.
Ultimately, it is possible to maintain independence and healthy vision well into your older years– a goal we can all aspire to.
If activities of daily living have become more challenging due to vision concerns, Caresify’s professional caregivers can help you maintain your independence and assist with everyday tasks and routines. You can read more here, or call 888-799-5007 to discuss a personalized plan of care at home.
References
- https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/resources/features/healthy-aging-vision.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/presbyopia/symptoms-causes/syc-20363328
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/8567-common-age-related-eye-problems
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/retinal-detachment/symptoms-causes/syc-20351344
- https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2019/dry-eyes.html
- https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/eye-exams?sso=y
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-and-your-eyes
- https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/resources/features/healthy-aging-vision.html
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