by Shelley | Nov 22, 2021 | Healthy Aging
Vision changes shouldn’t be ignored at any age, but especially if you are an older adult. That’s because the risk for eye disease increases as we age. Identifying small changes before they become big ones is essential for early intervention and treatment. Here’s what seniors should know about eye health and aging.
Eye Conditions Common among Seniors
Your risk of developing a vision problem increases with age. A few common types of eye disease seniors experience include:
- Floaters: Seeing floaters in your line of vision can occur as you age. They don’t usually pose a serious threat to eye health, but can be a sign that a retina is detaching. If you notice particles floating in your vision, call the doctor or go to the emergency room.
- Cataracts: By the age of 80, your risk for developing cataracts climbs to 50%. Cloudy or double vision, seeing a yellow tint to colors, and sensitivity to light are all warning signs. Fortunately, cataracts can be removed through a routine outpatient procedure. Untreated, however, this common eye condition can lead to blindness.
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. Dry AMD progresses slowly and gets worse over time. By contrast, the wet form of AMD is very aggressive. It can actually cause vision loss in a matter of weeks. The main symptom is the loss of central vision. While the progression of the disease can be slowed by laser treatments, there isn’t a cure. Early intervention is essential.
- Glaucoma: This is another eye disease for which risk increases as you age. Family history also plays a role. The catch is there are no early symptoms. The main method of detection is a yearly visit to the eye doctor. Unfortunately, if it isn’t diagnosed and treated early, glaucoma can result in blindness.
Vision Symptoms That Require Follow-Up
If you notice any of the following vision changes, you should discuss them with an eye doctor:
- Yellow cast to field of vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Cloudy vision
- Eye twitch
- Inability to produce tears
- Burning, itching, or gritty feeling
- Straining to read
- Teary eyes
- Eyelid pain
- Swollen eyelids
- Trouble distinguishing green from blue
Vision Changes That Are Red Flags
While the vision changes outlined above should be addressed with your physician, other symptoms can be signs of a serious or life-threatening medical issue. Call 911 or your primary care physician if you experience any of the following:
- Double or blurry vision
- Sudden pain in or behind the eye
- Uncontrolled eye movement
- Abrupt loss of vision in one or both eyes
Don’t wait to see if any of these red flags improve on their own. While it may be something minor, these symptoms are also linked to strokes and other neurological problems.
Assisted Living Provides a Safe Environment for Seniors with Vision Loss
If you or a senior family member have experienced vision loss, a move to an assisted living community might be a good solution. From step-free showers to good lighting, the environment is designed to support success. Call a Heritage Senior Community to learn more today!
by Shelley | Aug 12, 2019 | Healthy Aging
As you age, you may notice some changes in your vision. Many occur from the natural aging of the eye and can be improved with extra light or prescription glasses. Sometimes, vision changes are not a normal part of aging and are the beginning stages of eye disease....
by trevor@addfuelfire.com | May 22, 2016 | Healthy Aging, Uncategorized
As we grow older, it isn’t uncommon to experience minor vision problems. It might be dry, irritated eyes from staring at a computer too much or red, watery eyes that are the result of an allergy. But sudden changes in vision can be a warning signs of something more serious. From a detached retina to a stroke, there are vision issues older adults and caregivers shouldn’t ignore.
Vision Problems that Need Medical Intervention
Here are a few tips to help the Michigan caregivers who follow our blog identify the warning signs of potential problems:
- “Floaters” in Vision: A vision issue that requires immediate medical assistance often begins with what look like “floaters” in your eye sight. It is often a warning sign of a detached retina. A burst of light or color is another common symptom. It is important to get medical attention without delay to prevent blindness.
- Change in Vision: A sudden loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes should never be ignored. Both can be warning signs of a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA). It requires immediate medical intervention. People sometimes wait to see if the symptoms disappear before calling for help. When someone is having a stroke, time is a critical factor for receiving life-saving treatment. Call 911 without delay!
- Dark Spots in Vision: If a dark spot appears in the center of a senior’s vision, it can be a symptom of macular degeneration. Problems distinguishing one color from another or difficulty reading signs are other early signs. Call your physician if you or the older adults you care for experience any of these symptoms. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in seniors.
- Blind Spots in Vision: When a blind spot appears in a senior’s vision, it can be a warning sign of several different medical conditions. High blood pressure and diabetes are a few of the most common. Call your primary care physician to see if they want you to come to their office or go to the emergency room.
- Halos or Cloudy Vision: Both of these warning signs can be symptoms of cataracts. Many seniors don’t realize how serious the condition can be. Left untreated, cataracts can cause blindness. Ask your primary care physician for a referral to an Ophthalmologist if you don’t already have one you work with.
Medicare Coverage for Vision Problems
Many vision issues are preventable if caught early. Routine vision screenings are the best way to identify potential problems. To learn what eye exams and screenings your Medicare benefit will cover, visit Your Medicare Coverage.
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by trevor@addfuelfire.com | Jul 2, 2015 | Healthy Aging, Uncategorized
When you think about summer sun protection for your Michigan senior, don’t forget the sunglasses.
The sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause serious damage to the eyes of people of all ages. But the threat is even more serious for older adults. Years of unprotected sun exposure injures the eye and can cause cataracts, cancer and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people over age 65.
Seniors who venture to Great Lakes State beaches or the pool face a greater risk of vison loss. Water and sand reflect the sun’s rays, doubling the exposure to ultraviolet light.
Sunglasses are the best defense against harmful solar radiation. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says wearing sunglasses year round, even on cloudy and hazy days, can help protect an older adult’s vision.
Advice for helping your senior loved one select the right sunglasses to shield their eyes and safeguard their sight:
Be a Savvy Eyewear Shopper
- Effective sunscreens block UV-A and UV-B light rays. Protective eyewear should be no different. Choose sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays or that offer “400UV protection.” Don’t purchase a pair if they aren’t labeled.
- Buy from a reputable store or eye care center. Flea markets, street vendors and online auctions might offer incredible deals, but you cannot be sure that the UV protection ratings are accurate.
- If your senior wears eyeglasses, suggest that they invest in photochromic lenses, which block UV rays and automatically darken when exposed to sunlight. These can be helpful for older adults with Alzheimer’s or in dementia care, who may need to be reminded to use sunglasses.
- A set of prescription sunglasses is another option. Prescription lenses block 100% of the harmful ultraviolet light. Many eye care providers offer specials on multiple pairs.
Choose the Right Features for Your Senior’s Sunglasses
- Polarized lenses don’t block harmful UV light, but they do help to eliminate glare and reflection. This feature is a must for older adults who drive.
- Lens color doesn’t play a role in UV protection, but it can affect an older adult’s comfort level. Aging loved ones who have had cataract surgery may prefer amber lenses or “blue blockers.” These absorb HEV-rays that are more irritating to sensitive eyes.
- Dark lenses are no more protective than light tints, but they do reduce brightness and reduce squinting.
Select a Style: Bigger Is Better
- The US Food and Drug Administration recommends wraparound frames that fully shield the front, side and top of the eye from damaging UV rays. Wraparounds are available in a number of styles, including a goggle design that cups over and encloses the eyes.
- Over-lenses are another maximum coverage option. These larger frames slip over prescription frames.
- Flip-up and clip-on sunglasses attach to the top of prescription frames with a clip or magnet. Some clip-ons offer minimal side-coverage.
We hope these tips help you choose the right sunglasses for your senior loved one. Don’t forget to grab a pair for yourself! Protecting your younger eyes from intense sunlight helps to prevent age-related eye disease.
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by trevor@addfuelfire.com | Jul 10, 2014 | Caregiving, Dear Donna, Uncategorized
Dear Donna:
My mom just turned 80 years old. While she has always been active and independent, she was recently diagnosed with Macular Degeneration. Her physician explained to us that she will slowly lose her vision. We have talked about it and she knows she needs to change her living environment now. Her house is old and has a lot of stairs including to the basement where her laundry area is. She lives in Gaylord, Michigan and I am a few hours away in Holland. We’d like to move her to an assisted living community near me this summer so she has time to learn her way around while she still has some of her vision remaining. I’m wondering if assisted living communities can accommodate visually impaired residents?
Alan in Holland, Michigan
Dear Alan:
I’m sorry to hear about your mom’s diagnosis. I’m sure that has been difficult for her and for you. It is wise to be proactive in moving her closer to you and to a more supportive environment while she is still somewhat independent. The answer to your question is “Yes” we can accommodate visually impaired residents in our assisted living communities. A number of the older adults that call our communities home have vision problems ranging from Glaucoma to Macular Degeneration. Assisted living supports their independence in a variety of ways.
First, our safety features make it easier for residents with vision problems to find their way around. From handrails in the hallways to grab bars in the bathrooms the environment is designed to support older adults. Our caregivers can also provide assistance as necessary with bathing, grooming, dressing and escorting your mom around the community. Finally, the life enrichment activities each of our communities’ offer are designed to allow people with impairments of all types to participate. All of this support can help residents with Macular Degeneration enjoy a higher quality of life.
I hope this answers your question, Alan! Please let us know if you need help finding assisted living in the Holland, Michigan area. We have a variety of senior living options in western Michigan that might be a perfect fit for her needs including some new ones that are opening this year!
Donna
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