What causes blurred vision in the elderly?
Vision loss among the elderly is a major health care problem. Approximately one
person in three has some form of vision-reducing eye disease by the age of 65.
The most common causes of vision loss among the elderly are age-related macular
degeneration, glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy. Age-related macular
degeneration is characterized by the loss of central vision. Primary open-angle
glaucoma results in optic nerve damage and visual field loss. Because this
condition may initially be asymptomatic, regular screening examinations are
recommended for elderly patients. Cataract is a common cause of vision
impairment among the elderly, but surgery is often effective in restoring
vision. Diabetic retinopathy may be observed in the elderly at the time of
diagnosis or during the first few years of diabetes. Patients should undergo
eye examinations with dilation when diabetes is diagnosed and annually
thereafter.
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