Protecting Your Vision: Understanding Cataracts, Diabetic Retinopathy, and Glaucoma
August is National Eye Exam Month, a reminder that routine eye care is important throughout life.
Vision changes are sometimes gradual. A person may adapt to increasing blurriness, difficulty seeing at night, loss of peripheral vision, or changes in color perception without realizing that an eye condition is developing.
Comprehensive eye exams can identify certain problems before they cause noticeable symptoms. They may be especially important for older adults, people with diabetes, individuals with a family history of eye disease, and anyone experiencing changes in vision.
Three conditions that can threaten vision are cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.
Cataracts
A cataract develops when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Cataracts are common as people age, but they may also occur earlier because of an eye injury, certain medications, medical conditions, or other risk factors.
Possible signs include:
- Cloudy or blurry vision
- Colors appearing faded
- Increased sensitivity to light or glare
- Halos around lights
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Frequent changes to an eyeglass prescription
- Double vision in one eye
Cataracts can make daily activities such as reading, cooking, driving, managing medications, and navigating stairs more difficult.
An eye care professional can monitor a cataract and determine when treatment may be appropriate.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when diabetes damages blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes.
In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, a person may experience:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots or floating shapes
- Empty areas in the visual field
- Difficulty seeing colors
- Vision loss
People with diabetes are also at increased risk for cataracts and open-angle glaucoma. The National Eye Institute notes that early detection and treatment can significantly lower the risk of blindness from diabetic eye disease.
Managing blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol as directed by a healthcare provider can help protect overall health and vision.
People with diabetes should ask their healthcare and eye care providers how often they need a comprehensive dilated eye exam. The National Eye Institute advises people with diabetes to receive one at least annually, though individual recommendations may vary.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain.
Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, frequently develops without early warning signs. Peripheral vision may be affected gradually, making it possible for significant damage to occur before a person notices a problem.
Other forms of glaucoma can develop suddenly. Severe eye pain, nausea, eye redness, headache, and sudden blurred vision or halos around lights require prompt medical attention.
Vision already lost because of glaucoma generally cannot be restored, but treatment can often help prevent or slow further damage. That makes early detection especially important.
Signs That Should Not Be Ignored
Contact an eye care or healthcare professional when experiencing:
- New or worsening blurry vision
- Sudden vision loss
- Flashes of light
- A sudden increase in floaters
- A dark curtain or shadow across the visual field
- Double vision
- Eye pain or redness
- Difficulty completing familiar activities because of vision
Sudden or severe symptoms may require emergency evaluation.
Helping Someone Attend an Eye Exam
Children, adults with disabilities, and older adults may need assistance preparing for an appointment.
Caregivers and family members can help by:
- Bringing a current medication list
- Writing down symptoms and when they began
- Sharing relevant medical and family history
- Bringing glasses, contact lens information, or visual aids
- Arranging transportation
- Providing sunglasses for after dilation
- Asking the provider to explain follow-up instructions clearly
Caregivers may also notice changes the person has not recognized, such as reaching for objects inaccurately, hesitating near steps, bumping into furniture, or requiring brighter light.
Supporting Vision and Independence at Home
Vision loss can affect medication safety, mobility, meal preparation, communication, and confidence. Simple changes may help, including brighter lighting, reduced clutter, high-contrast labels, large-print materials, and consistent placement of frequently used objects.
Dakota Home Care assists infants, children, adults, and seniors according to their individual needs. For someone experiencing vision changes, personalized home care can support safe routines, appointment preparation, mobility, personal care, and continued participation in meaningful daily activities.
For more information, contact us:
📞701-663-5373
Keep Your Eye Health in Focus
Do not wait for serious symptoms before thinking about eye health. Ask an eye care professional how frequently you and the people you care for should receive an exam.
A routine appointment may help protect not only vision, but also safety, confidence, and independence.