The World 081220

Vision Changes in Seniors
It is normal to develop some difficulty with vision
as we age. Some eye symptoms, however, are more
concerning than others, as they may signal a serious
disease or disorder.
Knowing the difference between the two
can help you get treatment early. Here are
some normal age-related symptoms, and
some that should be reported to a doctor for
further investigation.
NORMAL AGE-RELATED
CHANGES
ifficulty with upcloe iion any people
notice this change after age 40. Presbyopia,
the gradual loss of the ability of the eye
to focus on close-up objects due to loss of
eibility and increaed rigidity of the eye
lens, is a normal age-related condition. In
fact, the American Academy of Opthalmology
reports that the term presbyopia comes
from a Greek word meaning “old eye.” This
condition can be corrected with eyeglasses,
contact lenses or surgery, and can cause
headaches and eye strain if left untreated.
Dry eyes or tearing. These conditions can
be normal as you age. If they persist or are
severe, however, talk to your eye doctor, as
they can be symptoms of disease.
Gradual loss of contrast. Rod cells, which
help with contrast vision, degrade as we age,
o you ay notice ore difficulty driing at
night.
CONCERNING SYMPTOMS
A sudden change in vision, straight
lines appearing distorted, dark, blurry
areas, whiteout in the center of vision, or
a change in color perception. These can be
symptoms of age-related macular degeneration,
which affects more than 2 million
people in the egular iion ea can
help catch this disease early.
ers mied ses
light, wavy vision or dark shadows in the
fied isi hile oe oater are nor-
al thoe that are accopanied by ahe
of light, or any of the other symptoms listed
above, could be a symptom of retinal detachment.
See your eye doctor immediately.
Surgery or laser treatment can address this
serious condition.
Fading side or peripheral vision. While
glaucoma often has no symptoms in the
early stages, as the disease progresses, it
can affect your peripheral vision. Regular
eye ea are iportant in diagnoing
glaucoma. This disease can be controlled by
medication but may require surgery.
Cloudy/fuzzy vision, double vision in
one eye, halos around lights, light sensitivity.
Cataracts, which cause clouding of
the eye len can caue thee ypto
People who smoke or have a family history
of cataracts are at a higher risk.
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August 12, 2020 The WORLD page 19
8/3/20 12:31 PM