Causes of Blindness and Loss of Vision

There are four major causes of blindness in the elderly: cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy (see below). This article deals with many facts about blindness and loss of vision in baby boomers and elderly people. The statistics on blindness in seniors and loss of vision are astounding. It has been estimated that about one out of three people over the age of 65 will have some type of vision loss.

By 2030, the elderly population over age 65 in the U.S. will be around 70 million. This vision loss, of course, is partly due to the aging of baby boomers. It is also expected that the over-85 populations will increase to about 7 million.

One in every three Americans has some type of vision loss and may be legally blind by 65, especially by 85. So this will become even more of a health problem than it is now. Besides the obvious health-related issues, there is a lessened ability to cope with activities of daily living (ADL). Depression in the elderly is also common.

Vision blindness can be detected by a professional. Both the The National Eye Institute and the American Academy of Ophthalmology do recommend that all those over 60 get a full eye exam with dilation yearly. Especially if you have a history of eye disease in your family.

The eye care professionals that we have spoken have seen increases in elderly patients, and expect it to only grow. Elderly health care is a big industry. More families are caring for elderly parents. The demand is rising for optometrists and ophthalmologists, and some are concerned with the possibility of a shortage of eye doctors.

When Our Eyeballs "Melt"

There are eye changes are a normal part of aging, and not all lead to loss of vision. Nor are they necessarily causes of blindness. As one eye doctor explained, the eye is full of a jelly-like substance known as vitreous fluid. As we age, this substance begins to break down. He compared it to a can of frozen orange juice. When the can of frozen juice begins to melt, it starts to liquefy and pull away from the sides of the can. Our vitreous fluid does much the same. It begins to somewhat liquefy. As this occurs, you may see “floaters” or notice little flashes of light, especially around the outside edges of your vision – your peripheral vision.

These conditions are a normal part of aging. They are not always causes of blindness. Do not panic or assume you are on your way to becoming legally blind. However, if you have any concerns about changes in your vision, do see an eye specialist right away. It can mean the difference in permanent vision loss.

The Main Causes of Blindness and Loss of Vision in Elderly:
Click on these links for info on vision loss in the elderly.

Cataract Symptoms and Causes -- Cloudy, blurriness in the eyes that can cause vision loss if not treated. The majority of seniors will probably develop cataracts. Cataract treatment and cataract surgery are elderly issues that are highly successful.
Macular Degeneration Symptoms –- Macular degeneration is damage to the retina that causes loss of vision in the central visual field, the macula. There are two kinds: dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. Both are causes of blindness and can mean severe loss of vision. Treatment for macular degeneration is promising. Protect yourself in advance - know the symptoms.
Macular Degeneration Treatment -- Macular degeneration treatment has many positive outcomes. Learn the pros and cons of various procedures here.
Avastin Macular Degeneration Treatment - Our Story -- Avastin macular degeneration treatment, an eyeball shot as some describe it, may sound scary. But it’s not all that bad, and the alternative is worse. Read our personal story and how it’s helped my elderly dad.
Macular Degeneration Prevention -- What can you do for macular degeneration prevention? Are you at risk? Read these important tips.
Glaucoma Symptoms – What is glaucoma – increased pressure in the eye that pushes on the optic nerve and can cause damage. This is one of the major causes of blindness in elderly. Make sure you know about glaucoma symptoms and causes of glaucoma.
Diabetes and Blindness - Diabetic Retinopathy –- This is an increase in blood sugar which harms the delicate blood vessels in the eye. One of the dangerous causes of blindness and loss of vision, there are ways to monitor and maintain eye health against it.
Definition of Blindness -- Click here for information on the definition of blindness, legal blindness, and loss of vision. There are many tips for coping – see these valuable ideas.

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