As you age, your vision changes with the rest of your body. The older you get, your risk of developing certain eye problems increases. Regularly seeing a specialist for an eye exam helps with the early detection and treatment of these conditions.
Read on to learn more about the vision changes that come with age.
Major changes in your eyes and vision usually happen between the ages of 40 and 50. It’s when your eyes slowly become drier, making wearing contacts less pleasant. You might need reading glasses to help with your near vision. Your risk for glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts can increase during this time.
People over 60 are more likely to develop common age-related eye diseases. Underlying health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can elevate the risk of these conditions. If you’re in your 60s, you might find it difficult to see clearly in low-lighting conditions. You might also see floaters or spots in your field of vision. If you suddenly notice an increase in floaters, contact your eye doctor immediately because it can be a symptom of retinal detachment.
It isn’t uncommon for individuals in their 70s or 80s to have cataracts. Fortunately, surgery can treat this eye condition. Between these ages, your color vision can decline. Your visual field can also start narrowing. Your doctor might recommend a certain type of eyeglasses to improve your contrast vision.
While vision changes are a natural part of the aging process, there are steps you can take to preserve your eyesight. Among them is to get regular comprehensive eye exams. They can help catch sight-threatening conditions in their early stages, including glaucoma and macular degeneration. When not treated promptly, they can cause irreversible vision loss.
Making healthy lifestyle changes is beneficial to your eye health. Eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C and E. Be sure to wear UV-blocking sunglasses when heading outdoors. Daily movement and quitting smoking are also helpful in keeping your eyes healthy.
Vienna Eyecare Center has the experience and equipment to diagnose and treat cataracts, dry eye syndrome and other eye conditions. We also offer eyeglasses, contact lenses and sunglasses. Call us at (703) 938-7633 or complete our online form to schedule an appointment. We assist patients in Fairfax, Reston and Tysons Corner, VA, and nearby areas.
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