We rely on our vision for almost everything from moving around to connecting with others but what many people don’t realize is that losing your sight can also affect your mind. Proper vision plays an important role in keeping the brain active and engaged. When vision starts to decline, the brain receives less stimulation which can lead to memory loss and contribute to early signs of dementia. Ultimately, we can help prevent dementia through proper eye care.
Vision loss and dementia:
There are several explanations for the link between eyesight and cognitive decline:
- Increased strain on the brain1
- Decreased brain stimulation2
- Social isolation1
- Reduced engagement in activities that prevent dementia1
- Sleep disturbances3
- Similar psychological pathways4
When a person can’t see well, interacting with and interpreting the world is harder which reduces the amount of sensory input the brain receives2. Additionally, vision loss can increase the amount of stress on the brain which is linked to changes in brain function and structure that are similar to those of dementia1. Untreated poor vision can also lead to a lack of participation in activities that prevent cognitive decline like exercising, reading, and socializing. It can also lead to social isolation, increasing the risk of dementia1. Additionally, vision loss has an impact on your circadian rhythm, leading to poor sleep quality and proper sleep is required for memory processing and brain health3. Research has also shown a connection between vision impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease with some vision disorders sharing similar disease processes4.
Eye conditions linked to dementia:
Several different eye conditions have been linked to dementia. These include:
- Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- Cataracts
- Diabetic Retinopathy
Decrease your risk:
To decrease the risk of dementia associated with untreated vision loss, it is important to treat the vision loss as much as possible. Studies show a correlation between untreated vision loss and dementia but there is no clear increased risk with corrected vision loss. To reduce your risk you need to make sure you:
- Get regular eye exams by a professional
- Correct vision issues (Glasses or contacts)
- Explore other treatment options when appropriate (ie. Cataract surgery)
- Use treatments recommended by your eye care specialist
Even if vision loss occurs, it is important to keep engaging in activities that protect brain health such as:
- Brain stimulating activities (reading, writing, puzzles, etc)
- Staying socially connected
- Keeping physically active
Who’s at Risk?
Anyone can experience vision issues but certain groups are more vulnerable than others.
These groups are more at risk:
- Older adults
Age increases the risk of several eye conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.
- People with chronic conditions
Chronic conditions like diabetes can increase the risk of vision loss
- People living alone
Individuals living alone may be less likely to notice or report decline in vision
Lifestyle changes6:
If you are able to prevent vision loss, you can also reduce the risk of dementia. Ways to prevent vision loss include:
- Eating healthy
Prioritize fruits, vegetables, and foods high in Vitamin A. Additionally, fish high in Omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, tuna, and halibut have been shown to improve eye health.
- Protect your eyes from the sun
UV rays from the sun are harmful to the eyes and can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration. Protecting eyes from the sun’s harmful rays reduces the risk of developing these conditions.
- Limit screen time
Prolonged focus on screens can increase strain and damage the eye. Reducing the amount of time you look at screens will decrease your risk of eye damage and vision loss.
When to see a doctor:
Signs of vision loss can happen slowly and are often easy to ignore. Recognizing and addressing them early are key to ensuring excellent eye and brain health. Common signs to watch out for are:
- Blurry vision or seeing double
- Difficulty focusing on near or distant objects
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye colour change
- Eye pain and redness
- Excess tears
- Seeing spots
- Seeing distorted lines
If you notice any of these changes, make sure to see your local health care provider or doctor for a full assessment.
FAQs:
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Can vision loss really cause dementia?
Vision loss doesn’t directly cause dementia, but it is strongly linked. Reduced visual input can decrease brain stimulation and increase isolation which are both risk factors for dementia.
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How does poor vision affect the brain?
When your brain receives less visual information, it needs to work harder to process your surroundings. This can put strain on the brain, leading to reduced memory and cognitive speed.
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Is vision loss reversible?
Some vision issues like cataracts can be treated with surgery while glasses or contacts can correct many others. Additionally, early treatment can reduce your risk of further complications.
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What are early signs of vision loss I should watch for?
Common signs include blurry vision, light sensitivity, trouble focusing, and seeing spots or distorted lines. If any of these symptoms occur, make sure to see a local healthcare provider or doctor.
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How often should I get my eyes checked?
Adults should have a complete eye exam every 1-2 years. If you are over the age of 60 or have risk factors like diabetes or existing eye condition, more frequent eye exams are recommended.
