Glaucoma is a serious and detrimental eye disease that can lead to complete blindness. Seniors who are at least 60 years of age are at the greatest risk of developing the condition. The most obvious sign of glaucoma is pressure on the optic nerve. Unfortunately, many individuals won’t experience any symptoms until the disease has progressed. By reviewing the most prevailing signs, elderly individuals know when to visit an eye care specialist for a full examination.
Eye Pain and Pressure in the Eye
The eye disease causes pressure to build up onto the optic nerve and causes serious discomfort. The person will experience pain and pressure in the affected eye. The pressure on the optic nerve can increase the risk of blindness, and the individual will need to undergo a complete eye exam to measure the eye pressure. In senior living communities, residents have access to doctors who can help with this symptom.
Persistent and Unexplainable Headaches
A multitude of illnesses and conditions cause headaches. Whenever a senior experiences persistent and unexplainable headaches, health experts recommend visiting a doctor to rule out other complex diseases and ailments that cause headaches. Glaucoma is also known to cause severe headaches that are not managed well with over-the-counter medications.
However, if the person is experiencing other glaucoma symptoms, an eye examination can verify if the person has glaucoma. In assisted living communities, seniors can get transportation to the doctor’s office and help to get a fast diagnosis and treatment.
Rainbow Colored Halos Surrounding Lights
Anyone experiencing the earlier signs of glaucoma will see rainbow-colored halos around lights. If the person looks at street lights, lights in the home, or car lights and sees these halos, the individual should get an assessment with a preferred eye doctor.
The person’s image is not the same as that of a person who has astigmatism where the lights extend in different directions. A circular rainbow will appear each time the individual looks at any light. When seniors complete services with a caregiver, such as memory care, the resident can tell the nurse about the halos and visit the doctor as soon as possible.
Tunnel Vision and Blind Spots
Tunnel vision is another warning sign of glaucoma, and the person may have blind spots in their vision. Seniors who can continue to drive may experience tunnel vision, especially at night. Treatment for glaucoma can help with vision problems, and if a senior has difficulty driving at night, the doctor can provide a new prescription for glasses or contacts to help. Any instances of the vision impairments should be reported to an eye doctor.
Sudden Nausea and Vomiting
Sudden or unexpected nausea and vomiting are early signs of glaucoma as well as other ailments. To determine if the senior is experiencing a different medical condition, the resident needs to visit a doctor for a checkup. By ruling out other conditions, the person can quickly get treatment for nausea and vomiting.
Visiting A Doctor Quickly
If any resident has two or more glaucoma symptoms, the individual needs an appointment to see an eye doctor. Glaucoma must be treated consistently to keep the eye disease managed appropriately. If the disease is not treated correctly, the resident is at a greater risk of total blindness.
A Great Home for Seniors
At Fountain Square of Lompoc, we provide exceptional homes for seniors and access to fast healthcare services. If a resident is experiencing any signs of glaucoma, we offer fast assessments and transportation to the resident’s preferred physician. Families and seniors can learn more about our community by setting up a tour today.
Glaucoma is an eye disease that affects the optic nerve and allows pressure to build up in the eye. The condition is hereditary, and anyone with a family history of glaucoma could develop it later in life. The person could experience partial or total vision loss as the disease progresses.
Doctors recommend getting an eye examination each year to determine if the person has glaucoma. If a senior is diagnosed with glaucoma, treatment may be required to manage the disease and reduce its effects. By reviewing the symptoms, seniors can avoid severe vision losses and improve their quality of life.
