Nancy had always prided herself on her independence. At 72, she still drove herself to the grocery store, met up with friends for coffee, and navigated her home without a second thought. When she began bumping into doorframes and misjudging steps, she blamed it on clumsiness or poor lighting. It wasn’t until a routine eye exam revealed significant vision loss that she learned the cause was, indeed, glaucoma. By then, the damage was irreversible, and it had been accruing quietly for years.

Stories like Nancy’s are much more common than most people realize. Glaucoma, often called the “silent thief of sight,” progresses without pain or obvious symptoms, gradually stealing vision before a person realizes anything is wrong. For older adults, this hidden disease can threaten not only eyesight, but also their safety, independence, and quality of life. Understanding the signs of glaucoma, recognizing its risks, and prioritizing early detection can make a life-changing difference.

Note: While this blog offers general guidance about living with and supporting a family member with glaucoma, it does not replace advice from a medical professional. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations and before starting any new treatment.

What is glaucoma?

Mayo Clinic defines glaucoma simply as an eye condition that damages the optic nerve, potentially leading to vision loss or blindness. The optic nerve is a part of the eye that is essential for sending visual information from the eye to the brain and is vital for good vision. In many cases, this optic nerve damage is caused by increased pressure within the eye, though glaucoma can also occur even when eye pressure is normal.¹

Glaucoma, along with cataracts, is quite common in seniors, but the early signs are subtle enough that they often aren’t noticed until damage has already occurred. Sadly, vision loss caused by glaucoma cannot be cured. However, early diagnosis and treatment can significantly help slow the damage.

The signs of glaucoma differ by type

Many seniors experience no noticeable early signs of glaucoma because the condition develops so gradually. Some signs, though, differ depending on the type and stage of glaucoma.

Open-angle glaucoma

The most common form of glaucoma, called open-angle glaucoma, typically causes a gradual loss of peripheral vision, which can go unnoticed at first. A person may begin to have trouble seeing objects off to the side, bump into furniture more frequently, or feel less confident navigating stairs or unfamiliar spaces. Blurred vision, patchy spots, and gradual loss of central vision can also occur as the condition progresses.¹

Normal-tension glaucoma

Normal-tension glaucoma is characterized by optic nerve damage without elevated eye pressure. No one knows exactly why this damage occurs when eye pressure is normal, but some research suggests it may be due to limited blood flow to the optic nerve caused by arterial buildup. Similar to open-angle glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma often does not exhibit symptoms in the early stages but can gradually cause blurred peripheral vision.¹

Acute angle-closure glaucoma

Some symptoms of glaucoma require immediate medical attention, particularly those associated with acute angle-closure glaucoma, which is less common but considered a medical emergency. Warning signs of acute angle-closure glaucoma include:

• Severe eye pain
• Blurred vision
• Rainbow colored halos around lights
• Rapid vision loss or change in vision¹

If these symptoms occur suddenly, it is critical to seek medical attention immediately to prevent permanent damage.

What are the risk factors for seniors?

Age is a significant risk factor for glaucoma, making seniors particularly vulnerable. According to Mayo Clinic, risk rapidly increases after age 55. Other factors that further elevate the risk in older adults can include recent eye injury or typical age-related changes in the eyes. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or extreme near or farsightedness can also contribute to a higher risk.¹

Additionally, certain types of glaucoma are hereditary, including open-angle glaucoma, and a family history of glaucoma can greatly raise one’s risk of developing the condition. According to Cleveland Clinic, you are up to 10 times more likely to get glaucoma if a sibling has also had the condition.²

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

Glaucoma is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that evaluates both eye pressure and the health of the optic nerve. Because symptoms often do not appear until vision loss has already occurred, diagnosis typically relies on screening rather than self-reported changes. Eye care providers use several tests, including measuring intraocular pressure, examining the optic nerve for signs of damage, and testing peripheral vision through visual field exams.³

Routine eye exams are especially important for seniors, as the risk of glaucoma increases with age. Regular screening helps identify glaucoma before noticeable vision loss occurs, making treatment more effective. Early diagnosis and consistent follow-up care play a critical role in preserving vision and maintaining independence for older adults.

Living with, treating, and managing glaucoma

Living with glaucoma as an older adult requires ongoing management, but many people are able to maintain an active and independent lifestyle—with the proper care. According to Mayo Clinic, treatment for most types of glaucoma typically focuses on lowering eye pressure to slow or prevent further vision loss. This can include prescription eye drops, and in some cases, oral medications, laser therapy, or potential surgery. Treating acute angle-closure glaucoma, however, may involve more urgent and intense care since it is considered a medical emergency.³

While glaucoma cannot be prevented entirely, there are integral steps you can take to promote eye health, whether you need to manage existing glaucoma or want to lower your risk of developing it to begin with.

Here are a few lifestyle shifts a person can make to help promote healthy eyes and vision, as listed by Mayo Clinic:

• Regular comprehensive eye exams are the most effective way to detect glaucoma early, before vision loss occurs.
• Make daily tasks easier and safer by wearing prescribed glasses, wearing sunglasses for UV protection, and using adequate lighting to read or work.
• Exercise safely and eat a balanced diet to maintain overall health and help reduce pressure within the eye.
• Take prescribed medicines as directed, including eye drops, to help you get the best possible result from your treatment.
• Make in-home modifications to reduce the risk of accidental falls caused by vision loss. Clear walkways, secure loose rugs, and add nightlights in hallways.³

It’s also important to note here that adults with memory impairment can experience more unique challenges if diagnosed with glaucoma. Memory conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s can affect a person’s ability to communicate their vision problems or follow a prescribed treatment plan, underscoring the need for early detection and treatment.

How home care can help

In-home care can play an incredibly supportive role in helping older adults protect their eye health and manage low vision at home. At HomeWell, our caregivers can assist with daily routines that support eye care, such as reminding clients to use prescribed eye drops on schedule or helping them follow their eye doctor’s care instructions.

We can also help create a safe, more supportive environment for seniors with vision concerns by improving lighting, reducing clutter, and identifying fall hazards that may be harder to see with reduced vision. Just as importantly, our caregivers offer companionship and reassurance, helping clients feel more confident and less isolated as they manage vision changes and maintain their independence.

If you or a loved one is navigating vision loss, searching for in-home care options, or would like to learn more about our low vision support services, give us a call today.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Sources

1. Mayo Clinic. (2024, November 5). “Glaucoma: Symptoms and causes.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372839
2. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, April 28). “Is Glaucoma Hereditary?” https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-glaucoma-hereditary
3. Mayo Clinic. (2024, November 5). “Glaucoma: Diagnosis and treatment.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372846

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