Glaucoma - The elderly have always been known to have issues with glaucoma. Fluid pressure blocks the regular flow of water between the lens and the cornea. If this issue isn't taken care of immediately, vision loss and even blindness are likely. Eye infections or other injuries can also cause glaucoma, but are less likely to create problems compared to bad health, high blood sugar and high blood pressure, which cause glaucoma more often than not.
Cataracts - Light has trouble passing through to the point where an image is processed because there is a cloud-type speck blocking it. The entire lens can sometimes be covered with these cloudy areas. Some of these cloudy areas are small, and others can grow over time. Either way, surgery can remove Cataracts in one's eyes.
Diabetic Retinopathy - Diabetics or those with higher than normal blood sugar levels should be very careful with their eating habits. If not, diabetic retinopathy is when the eye's blood vessels are destroyed. When this happens, nutrients cannot pass through to keep the entire eye strong and healthy. Every thing that our bodies do on a daily basis requires adequate nutrients, and this includes seeing and reading. Sugar has been known to destroy entire bodies, not just the eyes. So the elderly need to watch their diets very carefully.
Presbyopia - Small, close objects become difficult to see. Starting in the 40's, presbyopia becomes annoying. Over time, it can get worse, but reading glasses can easily correct this eye problem. Simple contacts can also do the trick.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration - For those over the age of 60, macular degeneration is the #1 cause of vision loss. The center of the retina slowly destructs. The retina is the part of the eye that senses light, and is also a nerve tissue. There are 2 types of macular degeneration:
Dry Form - The dry form is not as harsh in terms of vision loss. Yellow deposits in the macula are present however and can cause small changes in vision. This type of macular degeneration becomes worse if the number of the yellow deposits increase in number and size. In advanced stages, atrophy occurs on a cellular level causing death to the tissue itself. Central vision is lost by the elderly who have this age-related eye problem.
Wet Form - Abnormal blood vessels grow and end up leaking out blood and other fluids into the retina. Vision becomes distorted and blind spots appear with wet form macular degeneration in the elderly. Staying healthy is vital and central to good health, especially when it comes to the elderly. The elderly must take better care of their bodies in order to live long healthy lives. This is usually obvious, but it's always good to have plenty of reminders.