Seeing Through Their Eyes: Common Eye Conditions and What Visual Impairment Actually Looks Like

Issue No. 3: Words from the Wise
Words + Photography - Ariana Mygatt + Diana McDonnell, DNP

Vision loss and visual impairment become more common with age, and rates are expected to rise as the older adult population grows. Conditions like cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma are among the leading causes of vision loss in seniors. These changes in vision can increase the risk of falls, contribute to depression, and significantly impact overall quality of life. The following images illustrate how these eye conditions affect sight, offering a clearer understanding of what it’s like to experience visual impairment.

No impairment

Cataracts

Diabetic Retinopathy

Glaucoma

Macular Degeneration