Common Eye Conditions in Older Adults

Our eyes, like the rest of our body, change as we age. Some changes are normal—like needing reading glasses—but others can threaten vision and independence. The good news: many eye diseases can be slowed—or even prevented—if caught early. Glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration account for most of the vision loss in people over 60.

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Cataracts

Cataracts develop when your eye’s clear lens becomes cloudy, making vision blurry, colors faded, and lights glaring. Everyday tasks like reading, cooking, or driving at night become harder and less safe. Cataracts progress slowly and painlessly, often affecting both eyes. By age 80, more than half of all adults either have cataracts or have had surgery. Online Resources:

• Cataracts At A Glance: Information from the National Eye Institute

• Cataracts Basic Facts & Information: Information from HealthinAging.org

• What Are Cataracts?: Information from the American Academy of Ophthalmology

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​​​Cataract Surgery - one of the most common and successful procedures worldwide - removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial one. Surgery isn’t always needed right away, but regular monitoring by your eye doctor will help you determine the right time. Online Resources:

• Cataract Surgery - Risks, Recovery, Costs: Information from the American Academy of Ophthalmology

• Cataract Removal: Information from the National Library of Medicine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​Glaucoma

​Glaucoma happens when pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve, the pathway that carries signals from your eye to your brain. Vision loss usually begins in the outer, or peripheral, field of vision, and often goes unnoticed until it progresses. Although it cannot be cured, treatments such as prescription drops, laser procedures, or surgery can protect remaining vision. Since symptoms appear late, routine eye exams that check eye pressure and optic nerve health are critical. Online Resources:

• Glaucoma At A Glance: Information from the National Eye Institute

• Understanding Glaucoma: Information from the American Academy of Ophthalmology

• Glaucoma: Information from the American Optometric Association

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​​​​​​​Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) damages the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. Reading, driving, or recognizing faces becomes difficult, while peripheral vision often remains intact. There are two forms: “dry” AMD, which causes gradual thinning of the macula and progresses slowly, and “wet” AMD, which is caused by abnormal blood vessels leaking under the retina and is more damaging. Online Resources:

• AMD At A Glance: Information from the National Eye Institute

• Understanding Macular Degeneration: Information from the American Academy of Ophthalmology 

• Macular Degeneration: Information from the American Optometric Association

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​​​​​​​​​Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar damages small blood vessels in the retina, sometimes without symptoms at first. As it progresses, your vision can blur, become spotted, or suddenly disappear. Over time, fragile new blood vessels grow in the eye and can leak blood, leading to scarring and permanent blindness. Even well-controlled diabetes carries risk, which is why annual dilated eye exams are essential. 

• Diabetic Retinopathy At A Glance: Information from the National Eye Institute

• Diabetic Eye Disease: Information from the American Academy of Ophthalmology

• Diabetic Retinopathy: Information from the Mayo Clinic

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