Senior Vision Problems Symptoms | Home Care Naperville

Learn about 4 types of vision problems in seniors and the signs to watch for that indicate a need for immediate help.

If it seems to you like newspaper print keeps becoming smaller and smaller as you grow older, you’re in good company! Many 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 reaching for a magnifier.

While not everyone encounters vision issues in aging, there are several conditions that are more common than others. It’s important for all of us to visit the eye doctor yearly, regardless of whether any vision changes are noticed, as a preventative measure and to permit the doctor to catch any of the more serious conditions early on, such as:

Retinopathy: Retinopathy occurs in those with diabetes, which can cause a leak or blockage to the blood vessels in the back of the eye. It’s important to know as well that diabetes is the top cause of blindness, making it especially imperative for diabetics to maintain ongoing, routine examinations with the eye doctor, and to be meticulous in managing the disease.
Macular Degeneration: As the name denotes, this condition emerges when the tiny macula in the eye starts to break down, which causes distorted eyesight when looking straight ahead. A surgical procedure can help in some instances, but it’s important for people diagnosed with macular degeneration to learn and implement methods to most effectively utilize their remaining peripheral vision. Macular degeneration does not result in full blindness.
Glaucoma: Glaucoma causes elevated fluid pressure in the eye, leading to injury to the optic nerve, and can cause blindness, in particular if left undiagnosed. Treatment options may include a surgical procedure and/or eye drops to prevent vision loss from advancing.
Cataracts: Extremely common in seniors, cataracts are the result of clouding of the lens, and can be corrected with a simple, safe, and efficient replacement of the cloudy lens with a new synthetic lens.

If experiencing any of the symptoms below, seek medical assistance right away:

Sudden onset of vision loss which can signify the presence of a detached retina, a hemorrhage, stroke, or other serious issue.
A crossed eye or double vision, which could indicate a neurological concern such as a stroke.
A painful eye can be because of an infection, abrasion, elevated eye pressure, or other serious medical problem. When pain comes with nausea, vomiting, headache or the appearance of halos surrounding lights, it might be the result of acute glaucoma.
Flashes of light can happen when the retina is detaching.
Sudden eye discharge or redness in one or both eyes can occur when there is an infection in the eye.

Inspired Home Care, providers of the best home care in Naperville, is always ready to assist seniors in maintaining optimum eye health. We can provide transportation to doctors’ appointments, procedures, and checkups, observe any changes in eye health so that they’re addressed immediately, reduce the risk of falls in the home for those with vision problems, and so much more.