Vision-threatening eye disorders commonly affect the elderly. One in every three people over age 65 has an eye condition that may cause vision loss, according to Dr. David A. Quillen of Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. Being aware of some of the common conditions, as well as knowing how treatment and prevention work to slow disease, may help preserve vision.
Cataract
The natural lens of the eye sits inside the eye, near the front, and focuses light for good vision. With age, the clear lens gradually turns to a thick, frosted yellow, but, because this happens slowly, many people do not recognize the change in vision until the cataracts affect daily activities. It is common for people with cataracts to find they need more light for reading, and have a difficult time driving at night due to glare. If cataracts disturb vision, an eye doctor can remove the cataracts and replace the yellowed natural lens with a clear lens.
Macular Degeneration
The macula is a small area on the retina, the back inner lining of the eye. The macula controls the sharp central part of vision. In older eyes, "the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down," according to the National Eye Institute. This condition is called dry macular degeneration and causes the central vision to blur, making daily tasks, such as reading and driving, more difficult. Another type, wet macular degeneration, involves new blood vessel growth underneath the macula. These vessels often leak, lifting the macula and resulting in permanent damage to vision. For the best macular health, live an active, healthy lifestyle, advises the National Eye Institute.
Glaucoma
People over age 60 tend to have a much higher risk for glaucoma, according to the National Eye Institute. Glaucoma occurs when the fluid pressure inside the eye causes damage to the optic nerve. As the condition progresses, the side vision will gradually diminish. Due to the slow progression and unchanged central vision, most people cannot detect vision changes. In most cases, eye drops will lower the pressure inside the eye. However, eye drops may create many difficulties with elderly glaucoma patients. Hand tremors make instilling eye drops difficult. Additionally, some people have a difficult time remembering to use, or if they used, the eye drops. A notepad to track usage may help some in this situation.
