Four very common vision issues attributed to aging

There are four common vision problems that are associated with aging, but can occur in people of any age.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by diabetes and leads to blurry, distorted vision and blindness. Diabetes weakens blood vessels inside the eye, which leak fluid into the retina.

There is no pain and no outward sign other than gradual blurring and some vision loss. Symptoms may come and go. Pregnancy, high blood pressure and smoking can contribute to developing retinopathy and make it worse.

Controlling diabetes and associated risk factors may slow the progress of diabetic retinopathy. Laser treatment or surgery may be recommended.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma can cause blindness, but if caught early can usually be controlled. Glaucoma often has no symptoms, but doctors can detect the pressure build-up in the eye that damages the optic nerve.

In open-angle glaucoma, not enough fluid drains from the eye until the pressure causes the gradual loss of peripheral vision.

In closed-angle glaucoma, a less common form, the drainage area in the eye is completely blocked and eye pressure builds rapidly. The patient may notice blurred vision and rainbow halos, and have headaches, nausea, vomiting and severe pain.

Treatment for glaucoma consists of eye drops and pills to lower eye pressure. In severe cases, laser or surgery may be recommended.

Cataracts

Cataracts are common with age. It is caused by gradual clouding of the lens in the eye. Symptoms are usually painless and gradual, but may eventually be noticed as blurry vision, dull colors, more light needed to read, double vision, glare when driving or when your prescription for glasses keeps changing.

When cataracts limit the patient's ability to function, surgery is recommended.

Cataract surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis. The clouded lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that usually affects people after age 50 and affects the central rather than peripheral vision.

In dry macular degeneration, central vision slowly worsens and the patient may havse wavy lines or blank spots and colors may look dim.

In the less common wet macular degeneration, vision loss can happen rapidly.

If caught early, laser treatment may slow vision loss, but there is no way to restore it.