5 Common Eye Problems – Early Signs & Symptoms to Look For

Our eyes are one of our most precious possessions. We use them to see world around us, and rely on them for many everyday activities. That’s why it’s important to take care of our eyes, and to be aware of any problems that might occur.

In this article, we’ll discuss five of the most common eye problems and their symptoms.

Here are the 5 common eye problems that affect the elderly.

1. Glaucoma

Abrupt and severe pain in your eyes and seeing halos can be signs of glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye condition caused by elevated levels of fluid pressure in the eyes, which can potentially damage the fragile fibers of the optic nerve. This damage is irreversible and can even lead to blindness.

Eye problems symptoms – Glaucoma

• Eye pain
• Blurred vision
• Seeing halos around lights
• Changes in vision color
• Increased eye pressure

According to Glaucoma.org, It is estimated that over 3 million Americans have glaucoma but only half of those know they have it.

2. Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration, otherwise known as age-related macular degeneration, is the main cause of blindness in the elderly. Dry and wet are the two types of AMD that affect seniors.

Dry AMD affects almost 90-percent of older people, and it occurs when the macula blood vessels thin over time.

Wet AMD is when irregular blood vessel growths drain fluid and blood in the eyes, which in turn will cause loss of vision and even blindness.

Eye problems symptoms – Macular Degeneration

• Blurred Vision
• Dark Spots in Your Vision
• Difficulty Seeing in Low Light or at Night
• Eye Pain
• Loss of central vision,
• You may find it difficult to read, drive or see details up close

3. Dry Eyes

This eye condition happens when tear glands can’t make enough quality tears. Dry eyes is a very uncomfortable condition that causes burning, redness and itching and certainly makes the list of common eye problems.

In extreme cases, loss of vision can occur.

A humidifier or special eye drops could stimulate real tears in the home. In more serious cases of dry eyes, prescription drops or surgery may be necessary.

Eye problems symptoms – Dry Eyes

• Burning
• Redness
• Itching
• Soreness
• Excessive tearing
• Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
• Eye fatigue
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

4. Cataracts

Cataracts cause clouding in a person’s eye lens and is considered one of the major common eye problems. This occurs when there is a breakdown of crucial proteins that’s main purpose are to help keep their lens clear. Cataracts are often found in people over 45.

This is often the age when the lenses begin to have trouble changing shape to focus vision for far-sighted and close objects.

Eye problems symptoms – Cataracts

• Blurry vision
• Colors that seem faded
• Glare and halos around lights
• Poor night vision
• Double vision in a single eye
• Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses

5. Blurred Vision

Problems seeing in dim light conditions and declined color intensity are symptoms the elderly need to watch out for. Surgery is the only way to cure blurred vision, but it’s only suggested when cataracts impair a person’s ability to do everyday activities or if there is a lot of pain.

These are the most common eye problems that affect the elderly. Make sure your elderly loved one visits their eye care professional on a regular basis, and notify their doctor if they experience any vision changes. Taking these preventive measures could save your senior’s eyesight.

Eye problems symptoms – Blurred Vision

• Poor night vision
• Double vision in a single eye
• Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses

Helpful Resources:

Macular Degeneration: If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, we have created this 12-section eBook “Now What? <Click here> to access.

Glaucoma: Our Living With Glaucoma Guide will help you understand and manage a life with glaucoma. <Click here> to access.