Glaucoma in the Elderly: What You Should Watch For

elderly glaucoma signs

As we age, our eyesight becomes weaker. However, for some seniors, eye diseases such as glaucoma may set in.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerves. This disease happens when fluid builds up in the front of the eyes, which then increases pressure. There are people who may find themselves having vision problems and discomforts, but are unaware that they may have glaucoma. 

elderly glaucoma signs

For seniors, they may have high risks of glaucoma. If left untreated, this may cause blindness. This is why it’s important to get regular eye checkups, especially as you age. Glaucoma in the elderly can be serious. An optometrist or opthalmologist may see warning signs or let you know of any risk factors.

Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

There are different types of glaucoma. Therefore, it’s important to take note of your specific symptoms and discuss this with your specialist.

The following symptoms are indicative, and it’s best to seek immediate medical help:

  • loss of peripheral vision
  • blurred vision or vision loss
  • seeing halos or rainbow-colored circles around lights
  • eye redness accompanied by pain
  • a hazy or cloudy-looking cornea
  • tunnel vision
  • eye and head pain, especially if severe
  • nausea or vomiting associated with any of the other signs above

It’s important to note that some of these symptoms may be due to other conditions, such as chronic headaches or migraines. Redness, on the other hand, may be from injury, irritation, or infection. Still, it’s best to check with a doctor or specialist to find out.

Should you have signs of glaucoma, your doctor may require you to take a glaucoma exam, which will measure your eye pressure, inspect your eye’s drainage angle, examine your optic nerves, and many more.

If diagnosed with glaucoma, you may be given eye drop medications to reduce the amount of fluid your eye produces or improve drainage of eye fluid to then reduce pressure behind your eye. Some, however, may require surgery. Discuss your options with your doctor.

In the meantime, it’s best to take good care of your eye.

Meanwhile, should you or an elderly loved one needs help navigating or are in need of care and supervision, you may consider getting them into a facility such as Blessed Home. Our caregiving and nursing teams are highly trained to care for glaucoma patients or those with eyesight problems. Talk to us today!

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