Understanding Glaucoma in Older Adults: Symptoms, Risks, and Care

Understanding Glaucoma in Older Adults: What You Need to Know

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss in the United States, affecting millions—especially older adults. Known as the "sneak thief of sight," glaucoma can progress silently and undetected for years. Because vision changes often go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred, early detection is crucial, particularly for seniors.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, a timely opportunity to understand the warning signs, risk factors, and management strategies for this serious condition. Whether you’re caring for an aging parent or navigating your own vision health, staying informed about glaucoma can help preserve eyesight and quality of life.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, typically due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). The most common type is primary open-angle glaucoma, which progresses gradually and often without symptoms in its early stages. Up to 40% of a person’s vision can be lost before noticeable changes occur, making regular eye exams essential.

Common Symptoms of Glaucoma

As glaucoma advances, signs may include:

• Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
• Tunnel vision in late stages
• Halos around lights
• Eye pain or pressure
• Redness in the eye

Acute angle-closure glaucoma, a less common but more severe form, can cause sudden symptoms such as:

• Intense eye pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Seeing rainbow-colored rings around lights

These symptoms require immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage.

Glaucoma Risk Factors in Older Adults

While glaucoma can affect people of all ages, older adults face a higher risk. You may be at increased risk if you:

• Are over the age of 60
• Have a family history of glaucoma
• Are African American, Hispanic, or Asian
• Have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease
• Use corticosteroid medications long-term
• Have experienced past eye injuries

Talking to your family about medical history and staying consistent with eye exams can help identify glaucoma early.

Glaucoma Treatments and Management Options

Although there is no cure for glaucoma, early intervention can significantly slow its progression and preserve vision. Treatments include:

• ‍Medications: Prescription eye drops and oral medications lower eye pressure and help protect the optic nerve.‍
• Laser therapy: Laser trabeculoplasty can improve fluid drainage from the eye.‍
• Surgery: Procedures like trabeculectomy or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) create new pathways for fluid to leave the eye.

Adhering to your treatment plan and attending regular follow-ups with an eye specialist are key to maintaining eye health.

The Impact of Vision Loss on Daily Life for Seniors

Vision loss caused by glaucoma can significantly affect a senior’s independence and safety. It may lead to:

• Difficulty reading medication labels
• Increased risk of falls and injuries
• Trouble cooking, managing finances, or driving
• Social withdrawal or depression

Geriatric care managers help assess how glaucoma is affecting a person’s daily life and recommend practical tools or adaptations—like talking clocks, magnifiers, or in-home support—to promote safety and autonomy.

Coordinating Care Across Specialists

Many older adults manage multiple chronic conditions in addition to glaucoma. Geriatric care managers play a critical role in coordinating care among various providers, including:

• Ophthalmologists and optometrists
• Primary care physicians
• Endocrinologists and neurologists
• Home care or rehabilitation services

They ensure medical information is shared appropriately, appointments are kept, and families are kept informed. This reduces care fragmentation and supports better health outcomes.

Supporting Aging in Place with Vision Impairment

With the right support, many older adults with glaucoma can continue living safely and comfortably at home. Geriatric care managers help by:

• Conducting home safety assessments
• Coordinating fall prevention strategies and home modifications
• Arranging in-home care or companion services
• Referring to low-vision rehabilitation and assistive technology providers

They also ensure that home environments are adapted to support a person’s remaining vision—such as improved lighting, high-contrast labeling, and safe navigation paths.

Family Education and Emotional Support

A glaucoma diagnosis can be overwhelming for both seniors and their families. Geriatric care managers offer compassionate guidance and:

• Educate family members on the condition, treatment options, and progression
• Provide emotional support and counseling resources
• Help with long-term planning for progressive vision loss
• Offer crisis intervention if vision loss leads to a sudden decline in independence

They serve as both advocates and advisors, helping families make informed decisions with confidence.

Debunking Common Glaucoma Myths

Understanding the facts about glaucoma can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes. Let’s set the record straight:

• ‍Myth: Glaucoma only affects older people.

               Fact: While more common with age, glaucoma can occur at any age.

• Myth: Only high eye pressure causes glaucoma.

               Fact: Even those with normal eye pressure can develop glaucoma.

• Myth: Glasses or contacts cause glaucoma.

               Fact: Glaucoma is not caused by corrective lenses but by damage to the optic nerve.

• Myth: Over-the-counter eye drops can treat glaucoma.

               Fact: Glaucoma requires medical treatment; OTC drops are not a cure.

How Geriatric Care Managers Can Help

Geriatric care managers are aging specialists who provide holistic, personalized support for older adults and their families. When it comes to managing glaucoma and related vision loss, they:

• Monitor how vision changes affect daily living
• Facilitate communication between medical providers and family members
• Coordinate services that support safety, mobility, and independence
• Provide education, emotional support, and planning for long-term care

By offering a clear plan of action and ongoing guidance, geriatric care managers reduce stress, promote independence, and improve quality of life for seniors living with glaucoma.

Protect Your Vision and Peace of Mind

Don’t let glaucoma steal your sight—or your loved one’s independence.

📞 Contact LiveWell today to schedule a free initial consultation and discover how our experienced care managers can support you and your loved ones—during the holidays and beyond.