12 Common Eye Problems Among the Elderly

Published on November 30th, 2023

Updated on November 22nd, 2024

The 12 most common eye problems among the elderly include glaucoma, cataracts, presbyopia, dry eyes, flashes and floaters, retinal disorders, conjunctivitis, temporal arteritis, retinal detachment, eyelid problems, corneal diseases, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). As you get older, many structures in the eye can naturally change and deteriorate causing numerous eye problems in the elderly, many of which lead to vision loss or other eye complications. Common eye problems that occur with age can lead to symptoms including eye pain, light sensitivity, eyelid problems, near vision problems and more. Therefore, regular health checks such as eye exams are paramount for older patients.

The 12 common eye problems among the elderly are glaucoma, cataracts, presbyopia, dry eyes, flashes and floaters, conjunctivitis, temporal arteritis, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The 12 common eye problems among the elderly are listed below.

Glaucoma: Glaucoma is vision loss due to optic nerve damage and is a common eye problem among the elderly due to the natural deterioration of the optic nerve.
Cataracts: Cataracts are the clouding of the lens and can occur as an eye problem in the elderly due to ultraviolet light exposure and increased age.
Presbyopia: Presbyopia causes loss of near vision due to age-related changes to the lens.
Dry Eyes: Dry eyes occur when the eyes do not produce enough tears or due to the poor quality of tears.
Flashes and Floaters: Flashes and floaters are sparks of light that can appear in your vision as a result of changes to the vitreous gel in the eye, affecting the retina.
Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis occurs when the eye becomes inflamed due to a bacteria or viral infection.
Temporal Arteritis: Temporal arteritis also known as giant cell arteritis is the inflammation of the blood vessels and can occur in older patients linked to failed immune response.
Retinal Detachment: Retinal detachment is an eye problem that can occur when the retina pulls away from its usual position and typically affects older patients.
Eyelid Problems: Eyelid problems can be related to infection, inflammation and structural changes as a result of weakened immune system and natural physical changes to the eye as you get older.
Corneal Diseases: Corneal diseases may be a common eye problem among the elderly as a result of changes to the cornea with increased age.
Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy can commonly occur in older patients due to several factors which can include the possible increase of insulin resistance as you get older or having diabetes over a long period.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Age-related macular degeneration can develop due to structural changes to the eye and to blood circulation, which are just some of the possible factors.

1. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the many common eye problems among the elderly that lead to loss of vision and can affect people over the age of 50. The elderly may be vulnerable to developing glaucoma due to damage of the optic nerve, caused by increased pressure in the eye, trauma or eye diseases. The two types of glaucoma are open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma with variants within the types such as primary, secondary, chronic and acute. It is important to note that the form of acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency and requires urgent care to prevent vision loss. Symptoms can include loss of peripheral vision with primary open-angle glaucoma according to Better Health. Chronic angle-closure glaucoma may bring on symptoms such as halos around lights and possible vision problems. Acute-angle closure glaucoma can cause sudden and severe pain in the eye, headache, vomiting, nausea, halos around lights and blurry vision according to Health Direct. It is possible to not experience any symptoms until there is significant damage to the optic nerve. Treatment may include intravenous medication or eye drops to mitigate eye pressure or surgery.

2. Cataracts

Cataracts may occur as a common eye problem with increased age due to natural changes to the lens of the eye. Older patients may be at more risk of developing cataracts due to the protein of the lens breaking down and sticking together. As a result, the clouding of the lens hinders an amount of light from passing through, leading to the increased risk of vision loss. Symptoms of cataracts may include blurry or distorted vision, sensitivity to light, double vision, seeing halos around lights and poor night vision according to Health Direct. Cataracts may be commonly caused by exposure to ultraviolet light over a long period, smoking, diabetes and long-term use of corticosteroid medicines. An optometrist may diagnose signs of cataracts through a comprehensive eye examination and will likely refer you to an ophthalmologist for treatment. Treating cataracts usually requires surgery which may involve replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial lens according to Health Direct.

3. Presbyopia

Presbyopia can occur when the lens of the eye incorrectly focuses light onto the retina and can typically occur after the age of 45. Presbyopia can develop naturally as you get older due to the lens of the eye becoming less flexible and therefore not able to refract light onto the retina as easily according to the National Eye Institute. Symptoms of presbyopia may include difficulty seeing things up close, eye strain, having to hold reading materials farther away to see them clearly and a headache. An optometrist can diagnose presbyopia by a comprehensive eye exam, which involves a visual acuity test, a refraction test and a slit-lamp examination. Treating presbyopia may require prescription glasses or refractive surgery depending on the severity of your condition.

4. Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can occur when there is a problem with the surface of the eye and tear film and can commonly develop in older patients. Dry eyes can be caused by either the lack of tears produced or when the tears evaporate too quickly according to the Optometrist Network. The eyes produce tears to maintain moisture, and clean and protect the eyes whenever you blink. Causes of dry eyes can include the reduced production of tears with increased age, certain medications and menopause. Symptoms of dry eyes may include redness, eye pain or irritation, itchiness, foreign body sensation, excessive tears and blurry vision. If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, it is recommended to see an optometrist to receive a professional diagnosis and proper treatment advice according to your condition’s severity.

5. Flashes and Floaters

Flashes and floaters are common eye problems that may develop due to deterioration of the vitreous humor or changes to the vitreous humor that results in the pulling of the retina. Flashes refer to the appearance of a camera flash-like light appearing in your vision without external sources of light. This can develop when changes to the vitreous humor occur or reduce in size and pull on the retina according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. According to Harvard Health, flashes in your vision do not usually require treatment and may eventually alleviate on their own. Floaters refers to the appearance of dark spots or squiggly lines that float across your vision. They can occur as a result of the vitreous gel breaking down and clumping together from natural deterioration, however is considered harmless. Similar to flashes in your vision, floaters may not require treatment and can go away on their own. However, it is important to see an optometrist for these issues so they can rule out any serious eye problems and inform you of the next steps.

6. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis also known as pink eye is an eye problem that can commonly affect older patients and causes the white part of the eye (sclera) to turn pink as a result of inflammation. Conjunctivitis can stem from causes including allergies, viruses and bacteria and may bring on symptoms such as redness, itchiness, watery eyes, eye discharge, puffy eyes and a burning sensation according to Health Direct. Conjunctivitis can be treated using eye drops prescribed by an optometrist. Older patients may be more vulnerable to contracting conjunctivitis as they may likely have weakened immune systems according to Cornelia M. Weyand and Jörg J. Goronzy (2016).

7. Temporal Arteritis

Temporal Arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, is an eye disease that causes artery inflammation which can lead to blindness. The causes of temporal arteritis may be unknown, however, risk factors are believed to include autoimmune diseases according to Better Health. Symptoms of temporal arteritis may include a fever, intermittent or constant headaches, inflamed scalp patches, double vision, blurry vision or flashes of light in your vision. Temporal arteritis can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, taking a look through your medical history and possibly a blood test according to Better Health. Treating temporal arteritis may be treated with steroid-based medication. It is strongly recommended to seek treatment right away to prevent any further complications from poor blood circulation.

8. Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is when the retina pulls away from the surrounding tissues (choroid) which causes it to stop functioning and lead to loss of vision. The three types of retinal detachment are rhegmatogenous, tractional and exudative and all result in the retina pulling away from the choroid due to different causes. Treating retinal detachment can involve freeze treatment, laser surgery or surgery, however, this will depend on the extent of the detachment according to The National Eye Institute. Retinal detachment can cause symptoms such as floaters, flashes and a curtain-like shadow in your vision. It is important to note that retinal detachment is a medical emergency and requires urgent medical attention.

9. Eyelid Problems

Eyelid problems can arise as a common eye problem for elderly patients due to infection, inflammation or structural problems. Eyelids can become inflamed due to a buildup of oil and bacteria at the base of the eyelash, a blocked lacrimal duct or an inflamed meibomian gland. In the case of an infection, treatment may include certain eye drops prescribed by an optometrist. The eyelid may also have mechanical problems that can cause involuntary or repetitive movements. Treatment may require injections to relax the muscles, however, this can depend on the cause and severity of your condition. Structural problems in the eyelid may lead to changes in its appearance such as a drooping effect. Eyelid problems will require a proper diagnosis by an optometrist. Therefore, if you’re experiencing any changes to your eyelids or redness, itching, pain, watery eyes or light sensitivity, it is important to see an optometrist or your local doctor.

10. Corneal Diseases

Corneal diseases can be a common eye problem among the elderly and can commonly be a consequence of injuries, inflammation, infections, dry eyes and corneal dystrophies. Corneal diseases refer to a group of eye problems that affect the cornea and can often run in families. The most common forms of corneal diseases are corneal abrasions, allergy-related, keratitis and certain corneal dystrophies. Treatment will depend on the cause and severity of the condition, however, typically can involve eye drops, laser treatment and surgery.

11. Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy can occur due to the potential damage of the blood vessels in the retina, causing vision problems. Damage can develop when blood sugar levels are too high, leading to these blood vessels swelling, leaking or closing and hindering blood from flowing. Other possible causes of diabetic retinopathy can include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. Diabetic retinopathy may induce symptoms of blurry or distorted vision, light sensitivity, and light sensitivity. Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy are similar to many other forms of eye diseases, therefore, it is important to have your eyes regularly checked. This can help ensure you receive the most suitable treatment as well as prevent the development of any further complications.

12. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration is an eye condition that can impair central vision due to damage to the macula. Age-related macular degeneration can develop as a result of natural changes to structures and blood circulation as you age. One of the two forms of age-related macular degeneration is dry, which is more common and can take place as a result of the macula thinning with increased age. Dry age-related macular degeneration occurs in early, intermediate and late stages. Wet is the second form of age-related macular degeneration and is considered less common. Wet age-related macular degeneration causes vision loss to take place at a faster rate and can occur when unusual blood vessels develop in the back of the eye causing damage to the macula. Symptoms of age-related macular degeneration may include blurry vision, straight lines appearing wavy, dark spots appearing in central vision and loss of central vision according to John Hopkins Medicine. Treating wet age-related macular degeneration may require anti-VEGF injections according to the National Eye Institute. However, for the early and late-stage forms of age-related macular degeneration, there are no treatments and for the intermediate form, certain dietary supplements may be recommended. Diagnosing age-related macular degeneration may likely involve a dilated eye exam according to the National Eye Institute.

Elderly woman, experiencing an eye problem, covering eyes and holding glasses

What Age Do the Elderly Start to Experience Eye Problems?

The age at which the elderly can start to experience eye problems may be from 40 to 60 years old. According to the American Optometric Association, eye problems such as difficulty with near vision are the most common around this age and are exacerbated when reading or using the computer.

What are the Most Common Eye Problems in the Elderly?

The most common eye problems in the elderly may be age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around 444,400 Australians over the age of 55 are visually impaired with the most common occurring eye problems being age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

Diagram with a normal lens and a cataract affected lens

What is the Most Severe Eye Problem that the Elderly May Experience?

The most severe eye problem that the elderly may experience may be age-related macular degeneration. Age-related macular degeneration may be one of the most severe eye problems as it affects your central vision. However, other serious eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy are also considered severe.

Do Eye Impairments Among Elders Cause Blindness?

Yes and no, eye impairments can increase the risk of blindness, however, this depends on the type of eye impairment and the severity of the condition. There are a number of eye impairments that may not lead to vision loss, especially when it is diagnosed and treated early.

How Can Elderly Individuals Take Care of Their Eyes?

Elderly individuals can take care of their eyes by using sunglasses, limiting screen time, taking breaks from near vision-required tasks and getting regular eye tests. Older patients can use sunglasses, which can help protect their eyes from ultraviolet light damage. Taking regular breaks from tasks that require a lot of concentration and using near vision such as reading may be helpful in preventing eye strain for elderly individuals. Limiting screen time may also aid in preventing the risk of dry eye and eye strain for patients who may spend most of their time using screens. Regular eye tests can help with early detection of eye problems as well as monitor your eye and vision health and make any necessary adjustments to your prescription.

An optometrist checking elderly patient’s eyes with a handheld tool.

How Can Oscar Wylee Help in Taking Care of Elderly Eyes?

Oscar Wylee can help take care of elderly eyes by providing comprehensive eye exams every year. A complete eye test will assist with examining multiple parts of the eye to ensure optimal ocular eye health. At Oscar Wylee, we offer bulk billing so you won’t have to worry about any out-of-pocket expenses.

Does Taking Care of the Eyes of the Elderly Prevent the Risk of Developing Eye Disorders?

Yes and no, taking care of the eyes of the elderly can help prevent the risk of developing eye disorders in some cases. However, many eye disorders can occur without a specific cause or due to several factors outside of our control such as genetics and environment. Therefore, it is important to take care of the eyes as best as you can and have regular eye exams to catch any eye problems early and prevent further complications.

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