What Eye Conditions Are Most Common Among Senior Citizens?

As you age, your eyes are more likely to develop certain conditions. These conditions can cause your vision to become worse or lead to vision loss over time. At Atlantic Eyecare, our optometry team in Virginia Beach, VA, can evaluate your eyes and provide any needed treatment. To help you learn more about eye conditions and aging, our eye doctor offers the following information on common eye conditions for older individuals.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

This eye condition is common in people over 50 years old. Symptoms include visual distortions, impaired central vision, and increasing trouble seeing in dim or low lighting. These symptoms can occur in one or both eyes. Treatment options for age-related macular degeneration involve slowing the progression of symptoms and vision loss.

Cataracts

This eye condition refers to cloudiness in one or both lenses, which leads to symptoms such as cloudy vision, difficulty seeing at night, and faded colors. Cataracts can also cause halos around lighting. Treatment options involve home care or surgery to replace the affected lens if symptoms disrupt your quality of life.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma typically occurs when too much pressure in your eye results in optic nerve damage. This condition tends to develop slowly, without causing noticeable symptoms. As it gets worse, you might have blind spots in your peripheral vision. Medication and surgical procedures are the treatment options for this condition.

Diabetic Retinopathy

This eye condition occurs when diabetes causes damage to blood vessels in your retina. Diabetic retinopathy usually causes no symptoms in the early stages. Later, you might see streaks or floating spots due to blood vessel damage. Treatment options include injections, surgery, and laser treatment.

Contact Our Optometrist for Eye Care Services

Suppose you are a senior citizen due for an eye exam. Call us at (757) 340-7070 to schedule an optometry appointment with our eye doctor at Atlantic Eyecare. Our optometrist in Virginia Beach, VA, can check your vision and eyes for signs of eye conditions and recommend treatment if needed.