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5 Signs Your Older Loved One’s Sight Is Degrading

As time goes on, you may start to worry about the health of your aging loved ones. While some conditions can be avoided, there are other health issues that come inevitably with age.

Degrading eyesight is one of the most common health problems that older people face. In some cases, eye problems may indicate that there is a serious issue such as glaucoma which should be treated as soon as possible.

While your loved one may be able to qualify for benefits, it’s not always guaranteed. In order to catch the problem as early as possible, watch out for the following symptoms.

Floaters in Their Vision

Many people find that as they get older, they start to see eye floaters. While this may not be any reason for concern in many cases, it can also be a sign of a detached retina.  

There’s a difference between a few floaters in your peripheral vision and a sudden downfall of floaters. If your loved one complains of seeing floaters everywhere all at once, it’s important to see a doctor right away to confirm it’s not something more serious.

Everything Seems Darker 

If your loved one complains of a sudden cloud of darkness that takes over their field of sight, this could be another sign of retinal detachment. This calls for a visit to the emergency room as soon as possible. In the case that it is, in fact, a detached retina, doctors will need to take action swiftly.  Otherwise, it may only be a matter of hours until they lose their sight entirely. 

Eye Pain

Sudden eye pain isn’t a sign of anything positive. Anytime a patient complains of pain behind the eye, it could be an indication of a damaged optic nerve. They will require immediate treatment to prevent further damage. 

Double Vision

Double vision isn’t just a warning sign of an eye problem, but it’s also potentially dangerous. Driving or operating machinery with double vision could risk lives.  

In addition to being a sign of a vision problem, it’s also a common symptom of an impending stroke. 

Blind Spots

Macular holes are most common in people aged over 60. If you suddenly notice a blind spot in your vision it could be a sign that you have in fact developed a hole. Over time, the hole can grow and result in total vision loss. Therefore, you should see a doctor immediately. 

By being aware of the warning signs of dangerous eye conditions, you can catch the problem early enough to better your chances of treating them. If left untreated for too long, your loved one could lose either sight completely.

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