What causes adult-onset vision loss?
Most people experience some decline in vision as they age. It becomes more difficult to read small print, to get around in dim lighting, or to tell the difference between dark blue and black, for example. Such changes in vision are a normal part of aging. However, more serious changes to eyesight also occur as one ages. People of any age who have a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or a brain tumor may experience many physical changes, including vision loss. The loss may be temporary or permanent. Most older adults experiencing low vision, however, will be affected by one of four conditions: macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy . The table below summarizes the most common symptoms or warning signs of these conditions; more detailed information follows.
