What is the most common cause of vision loss in older adults?

The most common cause of vision loss in older adults is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD primarily affects the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for central vision and visual acuity. As people age, the risk of developing AMD increases, leading to a gradual loss of the ability to see fine details, which can significantly impact daily activities such as reading and recognizing faces.

Although cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma are also prevalent causes of vision loss, they do not surpass AMD in terms of frequency among older adults. Cataracts typically lead to clouding of the lens, which can be surgically corrected. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes, but not all older adults have diabetes, thus reducing its overall prevalence as a cause of vision loss in this demographic. Glaucoma, which involves damage to the optic nerve often associated with increased intraocular pressure, can lead to peripheral vision loss, but it isn't as common as AMD in the general older population.

Thus, age-related macular degeneration stands out as the leading cause of vision loss in older adults, making it crucial for both patients and healthcare providers to be aware of its risk factors, symptoms, and management options.