Blurry Vision in Seniors: Causes and Surgical Options

The elderly person has blurred vision and requires surgery?

Dear Dr.
Wang,
My mother is 68 years old and has been experiencing blurred vision for about two months.
She has difficulty seeing the facial features of people on television and also struggles to see things up close.
Her vision has gradually become more unclear.
After visiting a general hospital's ophthalmology department, she was referred to Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where the doctor recommended surgery.
Since she attended the appointment alone, she had difficulty understanding the details when she returned home.

She mentioned that the doctor indicated there is a thin membrane outside the vitreous body of the eye that is being pulled by a nerve, causing the membrane to distort, which is why her vision has become blurry.
One eye is more severely affected, and the other eye's blurriness is also increasing.
My mother has indicated that she has mild cataracts and is considering waiting to have surgery for both the cataracts and the other issue at the same time.
Is this possible?
Based on her described symptoms, what kind of eye disease could this be? What keywords should I use to search for related symptoms? I would greatly appreciate any relevant websites or information you could provide.
Thank you.
Mr.
Zhang
[email protected]

Mr. Zhang, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/11/24

Dr. Wang Zhangji reply Ophthalmology

It could be a macular fold, but it's uncertain.
It is in a different location than cataracts, and simultaneous surgery is not recommended.

Reply Date: 2011/11/24

More Info

Understanding blurry vision in seniors can be quite complex, as it may stem from various underlying conditions. In your mother's case, the symptoms she describes—blurry vision when watching television and difficulty seeing up close—are common complaints among older adults and can be attributed to several potential causes.

One likely cause of her blurry vision is cataracts, which is a clouding of the eye's natural lens. Cataracts are prevalent in older adults and can lead to gradual vision loss, making it difficult to see clearly, especially in low light or when looking at bright lights. The mention of "mild cataracts" suggests that this could indeed be a contributing factor to her visual difficulties.

Another possibility is the presence of a condition known as epiretinal membrane (ERM), which is what the doctor may have been referring to when mentioning a "thin membrane" that is causing distortion in her vision. An ERM can form on the surface of the retina and may cause visual disturbances, including blurriness and distortion. This condition can occur as a result of aging or after retinal surgery, and it can lead to significant visual impairment if left untreated.

Regarding her desire to wait until both the cataracts and the ERM (if that is indeed the diagnosis) can be treated simultaneously, it is essential to consult with her ophthalmologist. While it is sometimes possible to address both issues in one surgical procedure, it largely depends on the severity of each condition and the specific surgical techniques available. In many cases, surgeons prefer to treat cataracts and retinal issues separately to ensure the best outcomes for each condition.

For further understanding and research, you might consider searching for terms such as "cataracts," "epiretinal membrane," "blurry vision in seniors," and "surgical options for cataracts and retinal conditions." Websites like the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the National Eye Institute (NEI) provide reliable information on eye health, conditions, and treatments.

In summary, your mother's blurry vision could be due to cataracts, an epiretinal membrane, or a combination of both. It is crucial to have a thorough discussion with her ophthalmologist to clarify the diagnosis and determine the best course of action. If she is uncomfortable with the current treatment plan or has questions, seeking a second opinion from another eye care professional could also be beneficial.

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