The Best Eye Treatment Options for Seniors Suffering From Vision Loss

As we age, our eyes undergo significant changes that can affect how we see the world. Vision loss is one of the most common challenges faced by seniors. Everyday tasks like reading, driving, and even recognizing a loved one from across a crowded room can become increasingly difficult. This leads to frustration, reduced independence, and decreased quality of life.

The good news is that advanced eye treatments are now available to help seniors regain clarity and preserve their long-term eye health. At Clearview Vision Institute, we specialize in safe, effective solutions that restore vision and improve quality of life at every stage of aging.

Understanding Vision Loss in Seniors

Vision changes as we age. The lens loses its flexibility, the cornea becomes less curved, the pupil becomes less responsive, tear production can decrease, and irritation can develop. These physical changes have significant consequences for your vision. It becomes harder to read small print, judge distances, and discern contrasts. You may also experience increased sensitivity to glare, dry eyes, and watery eyes.

All of these shifts can impact your daily life, causing irritation, inconvenience, and reduced vision. However, they are the most benign challenges that older adults face. The risk of developing eye-related diseases and disorders also increases with age, some of which can lead to complete vision loss.

Symptoms of Early Vision Loss

Many seniors experience vision deterioration as the years go by. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms in order to ensure prompt treatment. Regular eye exams also check for signs of developing vision loss.

• Greater sensitivity to light (resulting in increased squinting).
• Struggling to read or discern close-up objects.
• Judging distances is more difficult.
• Preferring bright clothing or objects over dull ones.
• Difficulty with detailed tasks, like threading a needle or buttoning a shirt.
• Seeing flashes of light in your peripheral vision.
• Finding it difficult to drive at night.
• Making mistakes while driving, such as failing to notice street signs.
• Tripping on unnoticed objects on the floor or missing a step.

Minimizing Your Risk

Although you won’t be able to avoid vision changes altogether, you can take steps to preserve your vision as much as possible while minimizing your risk of developing serious eye conditions. For example:

• After age 45, you should have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years.
• Shield your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses.
• Use a home humidifier and eye drops to combat dry eyes.
• Place bright lights in your home to reduce eye strain.
• Make sure to reduce glare with good lampshades.
• Use glare shields to minimize glare from computer monitors.
• Wear safety glasses in the workshop.
• Don’t smoke and eat a healthy diet.

Common Causes of Vision Loss Later in Life

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is age-related hyperopia. As you age, your eyes gradually lose the ability to see nearby objects sharply. It’s most commonly noticed after the age of 40. At this time, the lens (which used to be soft and flexible) becomes more rigid and can no longer change shape to focus on close-up images.

It can be treated with prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and vision corrective procedures like PRESBYOND.

Floaters

Eye floaters are spots in your vision that seem to “float” when you move your eyes, drifting and darting away whenever you try to look at them directly. Most are caused by age-related changes in the eyes.

Although some floaters are harmless (and inevitable), they can point to more serious conditions. Contact your eye doctor if you notice a sudden change in the number of floaters, flashes of light, or peripheral vision loss, as these could point to a retinal tear.

Dry Eyes

Insufficient tear quantity or inadequate tear quality can result in dry eyes. This condition is characterized by redness, burning, itchiness, and excessive watering in the eyes. You may also experience blurry vision, sore eyes, and eyelid inflammation. About 30% of all adults over the age of 50 develop dry eye syndrome, and 61% of perimenopausal and menopausal women (according to Optometrists.org).

Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye, which stops light from reaching the retina. As a result, it causes blurred, hazy, or yellowed vision. If untreated, cataracts can grow in size and lead to peripheral vision loss or complete vision loss. Fortunately, cataract removal surgery is a common and safe procedure.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes can affect blood vessels in the eyes, starving the retina of oxygen. You may experience cloudy vision and seeing spots, but detection typically occurs during your regular eye examination. If undetected and untreated, diabetic retinopathy can result in total blindness. Conversely, laser treatment in the early stages often stops the progression of the condition, preserving your vision and eye health.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an extremely serious eye condition that can cause vision loss and blindness without treatment. Typically, you do not experience early symptoms. However, intracolour fluid pressure can build up, slowly beginning to destroy the nerve fibres within the retina. The disease can be detected by regular eye examinations and treated with eye drops, medication, or surgery.

Eye Treatments for Improving Senior Vision

Clearview Vision Institute offers multiple eye treatments to address senior vision loss, so you can preserve your independence and quality of life.

Laser Blended Vision (PRESBYOND)

Laser Blended Vision Correction Treatment (PRESBYOND) was created specifically to treat presbyopia. It’s a highly effective, comfortable, and safe laser treatment with an extremely high success rate. It creates an increased depth of field, yielding better visual outcomes for your eyesight.

PRESBYOND can greatly reduce your dependency on reading glasses or eliminate your need for them altogether. Treatment is permanent and the results last for a lifetime.

Laser Cataract Surgery

Laser cataract surgery is an enhanced version of traditional cataract surgery. It uses an advanced laser to remove the cataract, instead of a hand-held blade or other manual instrument. This results in greater precision, accuracy, and comfort for the patient. Patients enjoy superior visual results with a reduced risk of infection.

Learn More About Vision Improvement Procedures at Clearview Vision Institute

At Clearview Vision Institute, we take pride in offering groundbreaking vision improvement procedures to our patients and providing a personalized eye treatment that takes your preferences and lifestyle into account.

We design all vision correction plans to meet the needs of our patients. That way, you have the experience you want and get the results you need. Through innovative laser surgeries, like PRESBYOND, we have advanced the standard of care in Canada. More patients are able to achieve clear, sharp vision with less risk and more comfort.

To request more information on eye treatment for seniors, call Clearview Vision Institute today at 647-493-6371 or contact us here.