Vision Problems Seniors Should Never Ignore
As we get older, so do our eyes, and our vision isn’t what it used to be. That’s a natural part of ageing and should be expected, but there are certain changes in your vision that may be a sign of something more, so these warnings shouldn’t be ignored.
Blind Spots
Hypertension and diabetes are very common conditions, and both are extremely dangerous. Both of these can put a strain on the blood vessels in the eyes and the optic nerve. This could lead to permanent vision loss if not treated, so check with your doctor right away.
Floaters or Dark Spots
Although floaters are common and most often not a serious problem, if you experience multiple floaters or if you see sudden bursts of light or color, that could be a sign of a detached retina. This is a situation that requires immediate medical intervention to prevent permanent blindness.
Presbyopia
Are you having trouble reading small print? As your eyes age, they’ll inevitably experience presbyopia, a refractive error that makes it hard to see close objects clearly. While this isn’t a serious problem, it should be corrected to protect your vision.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging the optic nerve. The symptoms can start so slowly that you may not notice them. The only way to find out if you have glaucoma is to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
Blurred Vision
Macular degeneration causes loss in the center of the field of vision. Blurred vision is a key symptom. This condition can cause permanent blindness and it cannot be cured, but with treatment, the progression of the disease can sometimes be slowed.
Sudden Vision Change
Most of us will notice a slow deterioration of our vision as we get older. However, if you notice a sudden change in your vision, that may be a warning sign of a stroke. This is a situation you shouldn’t ignore or wait for it to go away. Rather, you should seek immediate help by calling 911.
Make an Appointment!
Annual eye exams are important for anyone, especially for seniors, and Medicare Part B will pay for some of the screenings you need. Don’t put off that visit to our eyecare provider.
For those who are looking for an active adult community, Cambridge Village offers retirement independent living at its finest. We’ve designed our active retirement communities in Raleigh, Apex, and Wilmington, North Carolina, to embody our Optimal Living® approach. . Our Optimal Living® approach is infused into every aspect of our 55+ communities in North Carolina—from our wellness and fitness offerings to our concierge care. If you would like more information about our communities, or if you’d like to schedule a tour, visit our website or give us a call at any of our locations:
Apex
10000 Cambridge Village Loop
919-249-7612
Brier Creek
7901 TW Alexander Drive
Raleigh, NC 919-737-7000
Wilmington
75 Cavalier Drive
Wilmington, NC 910-756-4189
