Watching our diet, staying active and taking care of our mental health are key factors in healthy aging. But routine eye care can also play a critical role. Research shows that people with vision loss are about 50% more likely to develop dementia than people without vision loss. However, correcting vision loss can help manage the risk.1
The link between vision and the brain
Our brains are crucial in processing and understanding the world around us, but they don’t work alone. They rely on our eyes, ears and other senses to quickly process information about our environment.2 As vision declines with age, it takes more stimulation for information to be converted into nerve signals telling your brain that something is happening.3
Understanding dementia
Dementia is a general term for a group of conditions that result in a gradual decline in cognitive abilities. Dementia is caused by damage to nerve cells and their connections to the brain. Some symptoms can include:4
- Memory loss
- Problems communicating
- Confusion or disorientation
There is growing evidence about the link between vision problems and cognitive issues like dementia. A recent survey of senior adults taking vision tests and cognitive tests showed that the risk of dementia was much higher among those with eyesight problems.5
Reducing risk
One of the best ways to monitor brain and vision health as we age is through routine eye exams. With a clear view of blood vessels, eye doctors not only track changes in vision but also look for signs of neurological issues and serious diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.6 Early detection of problems is vital to finding support and treatments.7 In fact, up to 1 in 5 dementia cases may be attributable to vision impairment.8 Research also supports that adults with cataracts can reduce their risk of dementia by seeking vision treatment.9
Seeing life to the fullest at every age
Taking care of your aging eyes is so much more than simply tracking vision changes – It’s essential to monitoring our overall health. You can help your workforce by encouraging them to learn more about age-related diseases, schedule their annual eye exams and routinely take care of their eyes. Ready to learn more? Speak with your EyeMed representative or visit eyemed.com.
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1 “Vision loss and the risk of dementia”; Alzheimer’s Society; alzheimers.org.uk; August 2024.
2 "Eyes”; Cleveland Clinic; my.clevelandclinic.org; Last reviewed November 15, 2023.
3 “Aging changes in the senses”; MedlinePlus; medlineplus.gov; July 15, 2024.
4 “Dementia”; Mayo Clinic; mayoclinic.org; June 7, 2025.
5 “Study shows dementia more common in older adults with vision issues”; Michigan Medicine; michiganmedicine.org; August 1, 2023.
6 “Vision loss: The hidden risk factor for dementia and the preventative steps you can take now”; UNT Health; unthsc.edu; August 7, 2025.
7 “Benefits of getting a dementia diagnosis”; Alzheimer’s Society; alzheimers.org; December, 2023.
8 “Up to 1 in 5 dementia cases may be attributable to vision impairment”; MedPage Today; medpagetoday.com; September 5, 2024.
9 “Visual Impairment, Eye Conditions, and Diagnoses of Neurodegeneration and Dementia; Jama Network; jamanetwork.com; July 30, 2024.
