As you age, it's normal to experience changes in your vision. You may notice difficulty seeing up close, adjusting to various lighting conditions, or distinguishing colors. Fortunately, simple solutions like contact lenses, glasses, or improving lighting can help you maintain your independence and lifestyle.
That said, seniors are at a higher risk of developing serious eye diseases and conditions such as presbyopia, dry eyes, glaucoma, and temporal arteritis. You must schedule regular eye exams, especially if you have a chronic condition like diabetes, to detect and treat any issues early on. In the sections below, we'll look closer at how aging affects your eyes and the steps you can take to keep them healthy.
Common Eye Conditions Due to Aging
As you age, you are at a higher risk of experiencing several eye conditions that can negatively impact vision and overall eye health. Most eye problems we have listed below can affect anyone at any age, but they tend to be more prevalent among the older population. They include:
- Presbyopia: Presbyopia is the gradual loss of the ability to see small print or close objects. It is a normal part of aging and usually appears after age 35 or 40. Reading glasses or bifocal lenses can help improve vision.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): AMD is an eye condition that usually affects people over 60. It often harms the central and sharp vision used for reading and driving. Your doctor can diagnose AMD during an eye exam and may recommend some prescription medication or special dietary supplements.
- Floaters and Flashers: Floaters are specks or spots that drift across your normal field of vision. They are usually common but can sometimes indicate a more serious eye problem. If you notice changes in the number or type of flashes or spots, you should see your eye doctor immediately.
- Dry Eyes: Dry eyes can cause burning, discomfort, and even vision loss. They usually occur when your tear glands produce poor or insufficient tears. A solution is often to use a humidifier, special eye drops, or prescription medications.
- Cataracts: Cataracts cause hazy or blurred vision, impacting the quality of life. They are cloudy areas around the eye's lens, which may or may not change over time. Before recommending cataract surgery, your doctor will watch over the symptoms to see if it will benefit you.
- Tearing: Tearing is when you have too many tears in your eyes due to sensitivity to light, temperature changes, or wind. Wearing sunglasses or protective shields can help solve the problem. In some cases, tearing may be a symptom of a more serious eye problem, such as a blocked tear duct or an eye infection.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: This condition is often associated with diabetes. It may develop slowly without warning signs, only worsening over time. A solution to this problem is to regulate your blood sugars, cholesterol level, and blood pressure. Where necessary, your doctor may recommend laser surgery to prevent the condition from getting worse.
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma is an eye condition caused by excessive fluid pressure inside the eye. If left untreated, this condition can result in severe vision loss. Most people with glaucoma experience no early pain or symptoms, making early detection difficult. However, regular eye exams can help detect the condition before it worsens.
Protect Your Vision
Maintaining your vision as you age requires regular eye exams. You don't want to wait for symptoms before seeing your eye doctor. Even slight changes in your aging eyes can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem. Contact our experienced ophthalmologists at Pomerance Eye Center if you have any concerns or questions.