taking a closer look at age-related vision loss

About 32 million Americans age 18 and older report having vision loss. The team at Embassy Healthcare is committed to providing information and prevention methods so you can protect your eyesight.

Common Vision Conditions

Glaucoma: This condition is caused by excess eye pressure, which damages the optic nerve. It causes a loss of peripheral vision and is the leading cause of blindness in people over 60 in the United States.

Macular degeneration: The macula is in the center of the retina and controls your central vision, color definition and visual sharpness. Macular degeneration damages the macula and can cause blurry vision.

Cataracts: The cloudy patches on the eye are caused by protein breakdown in the lens of your eye. Cataracts may occur in one or both eyes and affect contrast, color perception and sensitivity to glares.

Dry eye: This condition occurs when your body fails to produce a sufficient amount of tears. It may increase with age and be exacerbated by extended tasks like reading and working on the computer.

Diabetic retinopathy: Excess glucose damages the small blood vessels in your retinas. Leaking blood vessels create swelling in your retinal tissue, which clouds your vision. It will cause permanent blindness if left untreated.

Detached retina: This condition occurs when the retina separates from the back of the eye. Leaving a detached retina untreated can cause permanent vision loss.

Floaters and spots: Also known as vitreous detachment, these spots on the eyes are caused by the shrinking of a gel-like substance in your eye called the vitreous. The vitreous detaches from the retina and creates “floaters.”

Signs of Vision Loss

There are some symptoms of vision loss that require immediate attention. You should consult your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms.

• Blurry vision or halos around light sources: This may be a sign of a cataract, which can cause permanent vision damage.
• Double vision or images: That symptom may be caused by several eye conditions, but it’s also a warning sign for a stroke.
• Blind spots: These are often a symptom of diabetic retinopathy.
• Tunnel vision: If you notice your field of vision is narrowing, you may be experiencing the early stages of glaucoma.

Vision Loss Prevention

Visit an eyecare professional: Getting an annual dilated exam will allow your doctor to spot warning signs of any conditions that may affect your vision.

Diet: Certain nutrients, vitamins, and minerals boost eye health and reduce your vision loss risk. Eat foods like:

• Salmon, tuna and trout for omega-3 fatty acids
• Oranges, grapefruit, bell peppers, tomatos and strawberries for Vitamin C
• Carrots, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes and apricots for Vitamin A
• Broccoli, kale, romaine lettuce and other leafy greens for antioxidants
• Peas, kidney beans, lima beans, red meat and fortified cereals for zinc

Eye protection: Wearing eye protection during physical activity or hobbies – especially if they involve working with dust, dirt, fluid, or other flying particles – will keep your eyes safe from external damage.

Wash your hands: This is especially important if you wear contact lenses. Touching your eyes with dirty hands increase your risk for an infection, which may affect your vision.

Rest your eyes: Giving yourself a break from the TV, computer screen, and the phone will reduce eye strain.

Several Embassy Healthcare locations offer eye care services to support our residents with vision problems. Contact us online or call 888-975-1379 for more information.