As we celebrate our golden years, it’s not uncommon to notice a few changes in our vision. While presbyopia—the age-related loss of close-up focus—is a natural and expected part of aging that is easily corrected with reading glasses, many seniors face more serious eye conditions that can threaten their sight.

From the gradual clouding of the lens to damage to the optic nerve, these diseases can be silent and insidious, often showing no symptoms in their early stages. That’s why being proactive about eye health is so vital.

Regular eye exams can catch these conditions early, when treatment is most effective at preserving vision and maintaining your independence.

Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which sits behind the iris and pupil. It is a progressive condition that develops slowly over time.

What happens? The lens is made mostly of water and protein. As we age, these proteins can break down and clump together, causing a cloudy film to form on the lens. This film scatters light as it passes through the eye, making it difficult to focus images clearly onto the retina.

What are some of the symptoms?

• Blurry or hazy vision
• Colors appearing faded or less vibrant
• Increased sensitivity to light and glare
• Difficulty with night driving due to halos around lights
• A feeling that you are looking through a dirty window

Risk factors include:

• UV radiation exposure from sunlight
• Aging
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Previous eye injury or inflammation
• Steroid medication use
• Family history of cataracts

When cataracts are in their early stages, vision may not be significantly impacted. However, as the cataract progresses and vision is affected, the only effective treatment is surgery. During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This is a very common and highly successful procedure that can restore vision.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it typically has no symptoms in its early stages. Without treatment, it can lead to permanent and irreversible vision loss.

What happens? In a healthy eye, a clear fluid called aqueous humor flows in and out of the eye, maintaining a constant pressure. In most cases of glaucoma, this fluid does not drain properly, causing pressure to build up. This elevated pressure damages the delicate nerve fibers of the optic nerve, leading to a gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision.

What are the types and symptoms?

• Open-angle glaucoma: This is the most common form. It has no symptoms in the early stages and progresses slowly. As vision loss occurs, it is typically peripheral, so it may go unnoticed until significant damage has been done.
• Angle-closure glaucoma: This is a less common but more urgent form. It can cause a sudden, painful buildup of pressure. Symptoms include severe eye pain, blurred vision, halos around lights, and nausea. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

Risk factors include:

• Age (over 60)
• Family history of glaucoma
• High internal eye pressure
• Certain medical conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease)
• Nearsightedness (myopia)
• Thin corneas

The damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed, but with early detection, treatment can help to slow or stop the progression of the disease. Treatment options include prescription eye drops to reduce eye pressure, laser therapy to improve fluid drainage, or surgery to create a new drainage path.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease that affects the macula, the central part of the retina. The macula is responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision, which is essential for activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss among people 50 and older.

What happens? AMD occurs when the macula begins to deteriorate. There are two main types:

• Dry AMD: This is the most common form. It occurs when light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down. It typically progresses slowly and causes a gradual blurring of central vision.
• Wet AMD: This is the less common but more severe form. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and macula. These vessels are fragile and can leak fluid or blood, causing a rapid and severe loss of central vision.

What are the symptoms?

• Blurred or distorted central vision
• Straight lines appearing wavy or crooked
• A blind spot or “empty” spot in the center of vision
• Difficulty reading or performing other tasks that require fine, detailed vision
• Faded or less vibrant colors

Risk factors include:

• Age (most common in people over 60)
• Smoking
• Family history of AMD
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Diet low in fruits and vegetables

While there is no cure for dry AMD, a specific combination of vitamins and minerals can help slow its progression. For wet AMD, treatment options include injections of medication into the eye that can stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels and reduce swelling. Early diagnosis is key to preserving vision, and regular monitoring is crucial for those at risk.

Vitreous Detachment

Close to half of people over the age of 50 will experience Vitreous Detachment. It is very common and is usually not sight-threatening.

What happens? The vitreous is normally attached to the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye). As we age, the vitreous naturally shrinks and becomes more liquid. Eventually, it can pull away from the retina, leading to a detachment.

What are some of the symptoms?

• Floaters: little spots, cobwebs, or strings drifting across your vision.
• Flashes of light: quick, brief flashes, especially in dim light.
• A shadow or curtain in vision can occur — this is more serious and could mean a retinal tear or detachment.

Risk factors include aging, nearsightedness (myopia), previous eye surgery – like cataract surgery, eye trauma and family history of retinol problems.

Most vitreous detachments are harmless and will stabilize on their own, but in some cases, as the vitreous pulls away, and can tear the retina, which may lead to retinal detachment. This is a serious and sight-threatening condition.

When should you see an eye doctor? If the symptom such as floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain in your vision persist or worsen.

Diabetic Retinopathy

This is an eye disease that affects people with diabetes. It happens when high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina — the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that’s essential for vision.

How does it develop? High blood sugar weakens retinal blood vessels. Vessels may leak fluid or blood, or become blocked and over time, the retina doesn’t get enough oxygen. This can trigger abnormal new blood vessel growth. These changes can lead to vision problems and even blindness if untreated.

What are the stages of Diabetic Retinopathy?

1. Moderate non-proliferative: some blood vessels are blocked.
2. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): new, fragile vessels grow. These can bleed, cause scar tissue, and lead to retinal detachment or blindness.
3. Severe non-proliferative: more widespread blockages, cutting off oxygen to parts of the retina. 
4. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): new, fragile vessels grow. These can bleed, cause scar tissue, and lead to retinal detachment or blindness.

What are the symptoms?

Blurry vision, increasing floaters, dark or empty spots in vision, difficulty seeing at night, sudden vision loss (if bleeding occurs).

What are the risk factors?

• Long duration of diabetes
• Poor blood sugar control
• High blood pressure and cholesterol
• Pregnancy
• Kidney disease
• Smoking

How can you prevent or manage this condition, and what are the treatment options?

• Regular eye exams (at least once a year)
• Control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol
• Quit smoking
• Early treatment if changes are detected

Treatment options include laser therapy, which seals the blood vessels, Anti-VEGF injections, which reduce abnormal blood vessel growth, and Vitrectomy surgery, which removes blood or scar tissue if advanced bleeding has occurred.

Taking a proactive approach to your eye health is essential. Good vision is important for maintaining your independence, driving safety, reducing fall risk, cognitive health and staying socially connected. For assistance in being proactive in all areas of well-being and safety as you age, consider preparing a wholistic Proactive Plan, we’d be happy to help you.

            info@proactiveseniors.ca       (403) 809 1971