Dementia and sight loss
People with a dementia may also experience problems with their vision.
Causes of sight loss in dementia
Sight loss can be caused by:
- normal aging of the eye
- the dementia itself
- other eye conditions, such as cataracts
- other health conditions, such as stroke
Visual problems of dementia
If you have dementia, you might have trouble seeing, but still have healthy eyes. These problems are caused by the effects of dementia on the brain.
Sight loss is often undiagnosed in people with a dementia because the dementia can mask symptoms of sight loss, or your sight loss could be mistaken for a symptom of dementia.
Signs of dementia-related sight loss
If you have a dementia, you may have issues with:
- reading
- recognising people
- coping with bright light, low light or both
- finding things
- bumping into things
- finding food on your plate
- seeing well with your glasses
Your behaviour may also be affected by sight loss.
You may:
- become withdrawn or uncommunicative
- bump into things or fall more
- have visual hallucinations
- need to hold things up close to see them
- feel confused and disorientated
- are startled by noises or people approaching
Looking after your sight
If you have a dementia, you should have your sight examined regularly.
Someone with dementia, they may not be able to tell you about changes with their vision.
In Northern Ireland, the sight test is free for people over the age of 60.
Your local optometrist can advise you about eye health and make sure you wear the correct glasses.
It will help when visiting the optometrist if you:
- let them know you have dementia
- bring a list of your medication
- have your current glasses with you
- tell them if there is a history of eye problems in your family
Home visits may be available, if needed.
Living with sight loss
If you are experiencing vision issues, there are things you can do to help:
- follow the four Cs: make sure glasses are always current, clean, correct and comfortable
- good, even lighting to help reduce shadows
- reduce the risks of trips and falls
- plain backgrounds can be more helpful than patterned
- make sure any medication, especially eye drops are taken
- when guiding someone with dementia, give information about the people who are present and the environment
Where to find help and support
You can find further information on dementia and support services available at the link below: