Senior's Guide to Glaucoma: Risks, Treatment, and Prevention
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss. If left untreated, glaucoma can eventually lead to blindness. While anyone can develop glaucoma, seniors are at an increased risk due to their age and associated health conditions. This guide will discuss the risk factors for glaucoma in seniors, treatments, as well as preventative measures they can take to reduce their risk of developing the condition.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, responsible for carrying images from your eyes to your brain. This damage causes vision loss, starting with the peripheral or side vision, and can eventually lead to total blindness if left untreated. While glaucoma can occur in anyone at any age, it becomes more common as we age.
Risk Factors for Glaucoma in Seniors
Several risk factors make seniors more likely to develop glaucoma. These include:
- Age (seniors are at increased risk the older they get)
- Race (African Americans and Hispanics are at higher risk)
- Family history (seniors may be at a higher risk if close family members have also had the condition)
- Preexisting conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
- Long-term steroid use
Recognizing the Signs of Glaucoma & Getting a Diagnosis
Glaucoma can be challenging to recognize because symptoms usually don't appear until the later stages. Common signs of glaucoma in seniors include blurry or patchy vision, difficulty adjusting to the darkness, as well as eye pain or redness. If they experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment with an eye doctor. The doctor will likely perform a comprehensive eye exam, including measurements of pressure inside the senior's eyes as well as a visual field test to check for peripheral vision loss.
Treatment Options for Glaucoma
Glaucoma treatment aims to reduce pressure in the eye and slow or prevent further vision loss. This can be done through medications, surgery, or a combination of both.
Medication
Medications are typically the first line of treatment for glaucoma. These can be administered as eye drops or taken orally, depending on the severity of the condition. Medication can help reduce pressure in the eye as well as slow vision loss.
Surgery
Surgery may also sometimes be recommended if medications aren't effective or seniors have advanced glaucoma. It can help reduce the amount of fluid in their eye and relieve pressure.
The Importance of Regular Eye Exams in Preventing Glaucoma
Regular eye exams are essential for detecting changes in vision that could indicate glaucoma. If a senior is over 65 or has any of the risk factors discussed above, getting a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial. This can help ensure early detection and treatment of glaucoma, reducing the risk of severe vision loss.
Senior Helpers Can Help You Meet a Senior's Eyecare Goals
If you're a senior or have any of the risk factors for glaucoma, ensure you schedule regular eye exams. Early detection and treatment of glaucoma are essential for preserving your vision.
At Senior Helpers Dayton, we can provide comprehensive in-home care services that can help detect any changes in your vision. We also offer many other services to help seniors live healthy and independent lives in Centerville, Beavercreek, Oakwood, Kettering, and beyond. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.