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Vision changes become more common as people age. However, individuals over 60 years old should be aware of the warning signs associated with age-related eye problems. Most eye diseases and vision impairments have few early symptoms, and they can develop slowly. As a result, you may not notice changes to your vision until the condition has progressed. Visiting an eye doctor at least once each year is an important step toward ocular health, but seniors should be on the lookout for a few additional signs.
Common Indicators of Eye Problems in Seniors
If you experience any of the following signs, contact your ophthalmologist to schedule an appointment. While some symptoms may indicate the need for a new prescription, others are indicative of more dangerous illnesses.
- Loss of vision
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Double vision
- Seeing flashes of light
- Sensitivity to light
- Changes to the color of the iris or the clarity of the cornea
- Pain in or around the eye
- Distortion of vision
- Sudden changes in eye floaters
Behavioral Changes and Eye Problems
Behavior changes can also indicate vision changes. Most older people report vision problems early, as these issues can hinder independence. However, adults experiencing severe vision changes may be in denial. In these cases, they may try to hide their impairments.
The American Foundation of the Blind encourages loved ones to look for the following behavioral changes if they suspect a senior friend is experiencing vision issues.
- Stepping hesitantly or shuffling feet
- Bumping into objects
- Missing objects by overreaching or under reaching
- Squinting to focus on an object
- Having difficulty identifying faces
- Having trouble identifying colors
- Spilling food while eating
- Holding reading material very close to the face
- Writing less clearly
Vision Loss Comes with Increased Risk
Older adults with vision loss, either partial or full, have been shown to be more likely to fall than their sighted peers. If you or your loved one is experiencing vision degradation, it may be time to invest in a medical alert system – ideally with added fall protection.
Our medical alert systems are designed with senior health in mind. We have a variety of products to suit any lifestyle, including home systems, on-the-go pendants, and other medical alert system accessories. Alert1 also provides fall detection for a modest additional fee, allowing users to create a medical alert system designed around their specific needs. Plus, you can rest assured that our prices are lower than Life Alert costs, meaning you can spend more resources on receiving the vision care you deserve.