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Recognizing Eye Issues in Seniors

  • Last Updated January 31, 2025

As your loved one ages, their vision will naturally change. However, some eye issues go beyond typical age-related adjustments and may indicate more serious conditions. Recognizing these issues early can help prevent vision loss, enhance quality of life, and allow for timely medical intervention.

Sometimes, vision problems aren’t obvious to spot. Here are a few questions to help you determine whether your senior is experiencing eye difficulties.

Signs That May Point to Vision Issues in Seniors

Vision problems in seniors can progress quickly, so the sooner the issue is detected, the more likely it can be treated. Monitor for changes such as:

  • Squinting, holding reading material closer to their eyes than normal, or sitting closer to the television
  • Headaches or complaining of blurry or double vision
  • Difficulty transitioning from a well-lit area to a poorly lit one
  • Increase in tripping or falling or extra-tentative when walking
  • Teary eyes
  • Stopping favorite hobbies such as knitting, puzzles, or reading
  • Not wearing glasses because they are broken or missing nose pads or screws

Whether these signs are age-related or a symptom of more serious problems, getting your loved one to an eye professional is an important first step to helping them feel better.

Eye Conditions That Affect the Elderly

Only an optometrist or ophthalmologist can diagnose the cause and possible treatment for your senior’s age-related vision changes. These conditions could include:

  • Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
  • Cataracts
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Dry eye
  • Floaters or spots
  • Glaucoma
  • Retinal detachment

All vision issues should be treated as serious conditions. Dry eye, cataracts, and floaters are common as people age and are not usually harmful, but they may indicate a more serious problem. Some conditions, such as AMD and glaucoma, progress slowly. Others, such as retinal tearing or detachment, are serious and will need intervention as quickly as possible. Early detection and treatment can prevent permanent vision loss.

Maintaining regular dilated eye examinations is especially important if your senior has diabetes. Keeping their blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control can slow any progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Ways to Help Improve Quality of Life

When your aging loved one faces decreasing vision, their daily activities and home setup may need some adjustment. When heading outside, encourage your loved one to wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet radiation and a wide-brimmed hat.

In their living space, place furniture in small groupings with people sitting closer together so your loved one can stay connected during conversations. Install dark-colored light switches and electrical outlets so your senior can easily see them against light-colored walls. Brighter lighting and increased natural light can help with reading and other activities.

Moving low tables and eliminating clutter can help with tripping issues. Taping down area rugs and removing electrical cords will decrease the risk of falling or injury. Something as simple as clocks with large numbers and phones with large screens will make your senior feel more comfortable in their own home. And, of course, a variety of technology tools can help people with low vision.

Visiting Angels Can Help Support Seniors with Vision Challenges

From reliable transportation to eye appointments to ensuring a safe home environment, our compassionate caregivers provide essential support for seniors with vision challenges. We assist with daily reminders, such as wearing glasses, and take proactive measures like securing rugs to help prevent falls. We will promptly notify you if we observe any changes that may indicate vision deterioration.

Contact us today to learn how our professional caregivers can help your loved one stay safe and comfortable at home.


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