Seeing Purple Spots in Vision

With over 25% of adults over the age of 71 in the US experiencing some form of vision impairment, struggling with our eyesight is one of the most common challenges we face as we age. That’s why being able to recognize vision changes with age early is key to helping the elderly maintain their independence. If your senior is complaining about seeing purple spots, it could be a sign of something serious.

In this article, we’ll go over some of the potential causes of purple spots in vision, and other symptoms you can look out for to make sure your senior’s eyes are staying healthy. Understanding the signs of aging eyes can also help you recognize changes that may need medical attention. Remember, early detection can often be the difference between recovery and permanent deterioration, so if you’re concerned about your loved one’s vision, see their eye doctor promptly.

Why am I seeing Purple in my vision?

While a little distortion of your vision can be normal under certain circumstances, in others, it may be a sign of a more serious issue. Below are a few of the most common causes of seeing purple spots in your vision.

Afterimage

An afterimage is an optical illusion that occurs when the light-sensitive cells in your eyes adapt to looking at a particular color or bright light for an extended period.

If your senior is complaining about a purple spot in their vision after looking at bright sources of light, like the headlights of a car, they may be experiencing an afterimage. Depending on the color and intensity of the original light, an afterimage may appear as a contrasting color, including purple.

Afterimages are usually temporary. However, persistent spots or changes that occur without an obvious trigger should be evaluated by an eye care professional. Looking directly at the sun should always be avoided because it can cause permanent eye damage.

Floaters

One of the most common types of visual distortion, “floaters,” describes spots or shapes that appear to move across your field of vision.

Many people develop floaters that are nearly transparent and are often described as being “worm-like” in appearance. However, in some cases, patients may experience them as moving spots.

Floaters can be a natural part of the aging process, and longstanding floaters that remain unchanged are often harmless. However, a sudden increase in floaters should be followed by an urgent trip to your eye doctor, particularly if accompanied by flashes of light or a shadow across your vision.

Other eye conditions, including bleeding behind the eye in elderly adults, may also cause visual disturbances and require medical evaluation.

Migraine Aura

Migraine auras are sensory disturbances that often occur before or during a migraine. The most common type is known as a “visual aura,” which results in temporary changes to your vision, including brightly colored spots.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 25% to 30% of people with migraines experience auras, and visual symptoms are especially common among those who do.

So, if your senior has a history of migraines, it’s possible purple spots in their vision may be associated with a migraine aura.

However, new visual symptoms in an older adult should not automatically be attributed to migraines. Other changes, such as blurred or double vision, may indicate different conditions. Understanding the causes of double vision in elderly adults can help Caregivers recognize when further assessment is necessary.

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Posterior Vitreous Detachment

Vitreous is a thick gel that exists in the middle of our eyes. As we age, this gel gradually becomes more liquid and can separate from the retina in a process known as “posterior vitreous detachment” (PVD).

Symptoms can include the aforementioned floaters, as well as flashes of light.

PVD is a common part of aging, and symptoms will generally become less noticeable over time on their own. However, a prompt retinal examination is still recommended when symptoms first appear to ensure there are no complications, because more serious issues like retinal tears or retinal detachment can sometimes occur.

While this is far from a comprehensive list of why you might see purple spots, it should help you and your senior’s medical team consider some of the usual suspects as you search for a solution.

To ensure your loved one’s eyes stay healthy, regular eye examinations and proper daily care are important. Learning about eye care at home for elderly adults can help families support healthy vision.

For seniors experiencing significant vision impairment, understanding available home care for the visually impaired can also help maintain independence and safety.

If your loved one experiences sudden vision loss, a dark shadow across their vision, or visual changes accompanied by weakness or difficulty speaking, seek emergency medical attention.

To learn more about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today at 1-800-GRISWOLD or find a Caregiver near you.