Vision Loss in the Elderly

Visual impairment can greatly affect one’s day-to-day function, physical health and mental wellbeing. Fortunately, there are many products and techniques that can help blind seniors and those with low vision lead safe, active lives.

Vision loss is often accepted as an inevitable side-effect of aging. But there are steps you can take to keep your eye health strong, even as you get older.

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision in elderly people. Left untreated, cataracts can greatly impact vision, making driving, walking and other daily activities dangerous for elders.

Specific vitamins can have a significant positive (or negative) impact on your health. Learn what each one does, how to spot a deficiency, and what foods you should add to your diet to make sure you're meeting your nutritional requirements.

A diagnosis of AMD can cause distress for an elderly loved one. As a caregiver it is important to be prepared for what lies ahead. Learn how it is diagnosed, treated, and ways of coping with this progressive condition.

Older adults often start to lose their senses as they age, making them more susceptible to injury and harm.

Driving helps older adults stay mobile and independent, but the risk of car accidents and injury increases with age. Look for these warning signs that it’s time for a senior to stop driving.

This “sneaky thief of sight” develops slowly for years, but once the damage is done it is permanent. Protect your sight by scheduling regular eye exams that can catch this disease early on.

Aging eyes need special care, but seniors don't always get it. Seniors don't often complain when they can't see well. Seniors should see an optometrist to be sure they receive an accurate prescription and a good glasses fit.

Medication issues are common among seniors and can have several different underlying causes. Use these simple solutions to help an aging loved one consistently manage their medications and prevent dangerous mistakes.

Glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are the four most common eye conditions among people over age 65. Learn about symptoms and preventive measures you can take to help preserve your vision.

Surgery is the only effective treatment for blurry vision caused by cataracts. Here's what caregivers and their elderly loved ones can expect before, during and after this procedure.

As we age, we become prone to a variety of eye problems, including glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts. Proper diagnosis is key to prevention and treatment. Knowing what red flags to look for can save your vision.

Alzheimer's and dementia affect more than just a person's memory. The brain also begins having trouble receiving and processing sensory information. Changes in vision and perception can be scary and disorienting for the patient and complicate caregiving.

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in elderly adults.

Did you know that your eyes are just as susceptible to sun damage as your skin? The next time you head outside, be sure to don a pair of sunglasses to reduce your risk of developing eye conditions like photokeratitis, macular degeneration and cataracts.

Dementia caregivers face many obstacles to ensuring their loved ones receive proper eye, hearing and dental care. In the later stages of dementia, it may not be sensible to subject seniors to these routine check-ups unless there is an urgent medical need.

Research proves that low-intensity laser treatment thought to be effective in slowing or preventing vision loss from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is ineffective.