Symptoms Of Vision Problems That Affect Seniors

There are a lot of vision problems that can impact seniors as they get older. Aging is the biggest risk factor for eye and vision problems, although it’s not the only one. Seniors have an increased risk for eye conditions like:

• Cataracts
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
• Glaucoma
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Dry Eye Syndrome
• Presbyopia
• Retinal Detachment
• Temporal Arteritis
• Floaters and Flashes

Regular eye exams can help seniors avoid vision problems and eye conditions because getting regular vision screenings helps eye doctors catch eye diseases early before they impact your senior parent’s vision. That’s why it’s essential that seniors get an eye exam at least once a year.

If your senior parent doesn’t drive any longer and your mom or dad has senior home care to help them at home, their senior home care provider can also take them to a vision screening.

You should schedule an eye exam for your mom or dad if they have any of these common symptoms of vision problems that affect seniors:

 

Blurred Vision

Blurriness in vision, whether in one eye or both, can be a sign of various eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. If your senior parent suddenly experiences blurred vision, you or senior home care services should get them to their eye doctor right away.

 

Loss of Peripheral Vision

A decrease in peripheral vision, also known as tunnel vision, can be a symptom of conditions like glaucoma or retinal detachment. Retinal detachment can be serious, so if your senior parent experiences a sudden loss of peripheral vision, don’t wait; take them to a doctor immediately or schedule senior home care to take them.

 

Floaters and Flashes

Flashes and floaters happen to everyone occasionally, but if your senior parent is having them often that could be a symptom of eye problems. A sudden onset of floaters and flashes of light can indicate retinal detachment or other issues within the vitreous gel of the eye.

 

Eye Pain or Discomfort

Persistent eye pain or discomfort, whether it’s a sharp pain or a dull ache, should be evaluated by an eye doctor. It could indicate various conditions such as glaucoma, corneal abrasions, or inflammation. Senior home care services can help your senior loved one feel comfortable sharing any issue and how they feel with a caregiver.

 

Redness and Irritation

Persistent redness, itching, or irritation in the eyes can be a sign of conjunctivitis, allergies, dry eye syndrome, or other eye infections. An eye doctor should be able to diagnose what is causing the irritation.

 

Double Vision

Seeing double images, whether in one eye or both, can be a symptom of several eye conditions, including cataracts, corneal irregularities, and neurological issues. It can also be a side effect of medication, which can be monitored by senior home care professionals, so make sure you let your senior parent’s doctor know if they experience double vision.

 

Sensitivity to Light

Increased sensitivity to light can be a symptom of various eye conditions, including cataracts, corneal abrasions, uveitis, or retinal issues.

 

Difficulty Seeing in Low Light

Difficulty seeing in low light conditions, such as at dusk or in dimly lit rooms, can be a sign of cataracts or age-related macular degeneration. While regular eye checkups will help with this, senior home care can also help keep the home well-lit and safer for your loved one.

 

Halos Around Lights

Seeing halos or rings around lights, especially at night, can be a symptom of several eye conditions, including cataracts and glaucoma.

 

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering Senior Home Care in Chantilly, VA, please contact the caring staff at Butters Home Health Care today. (703) 371-2113