Age is a risk factor for a host of diseases. Heart disease and stroke, most cancers, osteoarthritis, and, of course, dementia become far more likely as we age. Though we hear about it less often, aging can also be hard on your eyes. Several conditions that affect older people can lead to vision loss and even blindness.
“However, vision loss is not an inevitable part of aging,” explains Roma Patel, associate professor of ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine and clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Here are the most common causes of age-related blindness and what you can do to protect your vision.
1. Cataracts
Cataracts can cause a lot of trouble. The word ‘cataract’ comes from the Latin word for waterfall, and as cataracts progress, it may seem as if you’re looking through a waterfall. Though cataracts can be caused by injury, certain medications, and diabetes, most are age-related, though alcohol consumption, sun exposure, and smoking can cause them to develop faster than they normally would.
