It’s no secret that as we age, our risk of developing vision-related diseases increases significantly. In fact, according to the National Eye Institute, the number of Americans affected by the most common age-related eye diseases is expected to double between 2010 and 2050—from 28 million to nearly 50 million people. These conditions don’t just blur sight—they impact independence, safety, and overall quality of life.
There are four major diseases behind most cases of vision loss in seniors: age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Each of these conditions becomes more prevalent with age and, if left untreated, can lead to severe vision impairment or blindness.
Perhaps most concerning fact is that tens of thousands of vision loss cases each year are preventable. In many instances, early detection and consistent treatment can preserve eyesight well into old age. According to the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins, the two leading contributors to visual impairment in the U.S. are aging and diabetes—both of which are on the rise. The general population of the United States is skewing older and sicker as time goes on.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition that affects the macula—the small central part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. As the macula deteriorates, people with AMD may find it increasingly difficult to read, recognize faces, or perform tasks that require seeing fine details.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 2 million Americans are currently living with AMD, and another 7 million are at risk of developing it. The condition is most common in adults over age 60, and it is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in older adults.
Genetics play a significant role in AMD risk—research published in Science (2005) found that certain gene variants can increase the likelihood of developing the disease by as much as 75%. However, while you can’t change your genetic makeup, you can manage other modifiable risk factors.
To reduce your risk or slow the progression of AMD:
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Avoid smoking, which doubles your risk of developing AMD.
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Exercise regularly to promote overall vascular health.
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Eat a nutrient-rich diet, particularly foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and leafy greens.
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Consider taking AREDS2-formulated supplements, which contain specific vitamins and minerals (like vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, and lutein) shown to help delay advanced stages of the disease.
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye, which can cause blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, and increased sensitivity to light. Cataracts develop gradually and are most commonly caused by aging. In fact, more than half of all Americans aged 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove them, according to the National Eye Institute.
Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 40 and the primary cause of blindness worldwide. There are three main types of cataracts:
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Nuclear cataracts, which form in the center of the lens and are most closely associated with aging.
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Cortical cataracts, which affect the edges of the lens and can interfere with contrast and glare sensitivity.
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Posterior subcapsular cataracts, which develop at the back of the lens and tend to progress faster than other types.
While cataracts can’t always be prevented, certain lifestyle changes can slow their development:
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Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays to protect your eyes from sun damage.
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Eat a diet rich in antioxidants—especially vitamins C and E—which support eye health.
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Avoid smoking, which significantly increases the risk of cataracts.
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Manage health conditions like diabetes, which can contribute to cataract formation.
If cataracts begin to interfere with daily activities, surgery to replace the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one is a safe and effective treatment, with a high success rate and minimal recovery time.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults in the United States, and one of the most serious complications of diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 24,000 Americans lose their sight to diabetic retinopathy each year.
This disease develops when prolonged high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina—the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye. The retina is responsible for detecting light and sending visual signals to the brain. Over time, these damaged vessels may swell, leak fluid, or close off entirely, causing major disruptions to a person’s vision. In more advanced stages, new abnormal blood vessels can form on the retina’s surface, leading to scarring and potential retinal detachment.
The good news is that diabetic retinopathy is both preventable and manageable. It only affects individuals with diabetes, so taking proactive steps to prevent type 2 diabetes—such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and staying active—can also reduce your risk of developing vision-threatening complications.
If you already have diabetes, proper disease management is key. Keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels within target ranges can significantly lower your chances of vision loss. Regular eye exams are also essential: the American Diabetes Association recommends a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.
If you notice early warning signs—such as blurry or dark patches in your field of view, difficulty seeing at night, or sudden vision changes—consult with an eye doctor right away. Early detection and treatment, including laser therapy or medication injections, can preserve vision and slow the disease’s progression.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve—the critical cable connecting your eye to your brain—often due to increased pressure inside the eye. This pressure builds when fluid in the eye doesn’t drain properly through the trabecular meshwork, a spongy tissue near the front of the eye. Over time, the buildup can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve, leading to gradual vision loss and, if untreated, permanent blindness.
Glaucoma is sometimes called “the silent thief of sight” because it typically causes no early symptoms. Most people don’t notice a problem until their peripheral (side) vision begins to fade. According to the National Eye Institute, more than 3 million Americans have glaucoma—but half of them don’t know it. The risk increases significantly with age, especially after age 60, and is also higher among African American, Hispanic, and Asian populations.
There are two main types:
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Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, develops slowly and painlessly.
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Angle-closure glaucoma, which is less common, can occur suddenly and may cause eye pain, nausea, blurred vision, and halos around lights—a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Although there is currently no cure for glaucoma, early detection can slow or prevent further vision loss. Treatments include:
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Prescription eye drops to reduce eye pressure.
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Laser therapy to improve fluid drainage.
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Microsurgery, such as trabeculectomy, to create new drainage channels.
Because the damage caused by glaucoma is permanent, regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial—especially for seniors and those with a family history of the disease. Catching glaucoma early can make all the difference in preserving your vision.
In Closing
While age is a major risk factor for vision loss, it doesn’t have to dictate your eye health. Many of the most common causes of blindness in seniors—like macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma—can be managed or even prevented with early detection and healthy lifestyle choices. That means eating well, staying active, managing chronic conditions like diabetes, and shielding your eyes from harmful UV rays. Most importantly, get a comprehensive eye exam every year, even if your vision seems fine. Many eye diseases develop silently, without symptoms, until the damage is done. Being proactive about your eye health today could mean preserving your sight—and your independence—for years to come.
While eyes are on the mind, you may also enjoy reading about what the color of your sclerae say about your overall health in our article: ‘Why Aren’t The Whites of My Eyes White?’
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Article updated 5/6/25.