Eyesight can be one of the first senses impaired by aging. To help identify age-related vision problems before they become irreversible, here are some warning signs.
Narrowing Field of Vision: If your field of vision narrows, limiting vision to what’s directly in front of you, you may be developing glaucoma. Damage to the optic nerve causes vision loss at the edges of your field of view. Left unattended, early symptoms can eventually lead to permanent blindness.
Loss of Central Vision: If you’re having more trouble seeing what’s directly in front of you, you may be experiencing symptoms of macular degeneration (AMD), which is another leading cause of blindness. There are treatments for AMD, so the sooner you seek medical treatment, the more likely you can save your vision.
Cloudy Eyesight: If you’re eyesight becomes cloudy, or you experience halos around lights at night, or even loss of color vision, you may be experiencing early symptoms of cataracts. Unless you receive treatment, you may eventually go blind.
Blind Spots: If you experience blind spots and floaters in your field of view, you may be suffering from diabetic retinopathy. Regular eye exams over age 60 can help diagnose it before it becomes severe. Spots and floaters may also be caused by vitreous detachment, a more benign condition.
Blurry Vision in One Eye: Blurred vision in one eye could mean you’ve developed a macular hole in the retina. Like most eye diseases, it can lead to permanent vision loss of untreated.
Double Vision: There are many reasons for double vision, or ghost images. It might signal an underlying health issue such as a stroke.
Dark Curtain Over the Eye: The sensation of a curtain over your field of view may be the result of retinal detachment. If not reattached within hours, vision loss could be permanent.
Sudden Eye Pain: Eye pain, nausea and vomiting are symptoms of narrow-angle glaucoma, causing permanent damage to the optic nerve. Immediate treatment will be necessary.
Deteriorating vision means everyday tasks become more difficult. It can impact your ability to drive and can also reduce mobility. This makes it all the more important to consult your eye doctor when the above warning signs occur.
Even if you haven’t been experienced impaired vision, a healthy lifestyle and diet can help boost eye health in general. Also, comprehensive exams will help detect problems before they occur. You can schedule an exam with our Los Angeles eye doctors by calling 877-871-1684.
