As we age, it’s natural for our eyesight to start deteriorating. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the majority of people will experience changes to their eyesight as they age. It’s essential to stay on the watch for signs of age-related vision loss the older we get. As eye health professionals, one of our priorities is making sure our patients are informed so that they both know what to expect and can minimize any risks they may have. Let’s take a look at some common age-related vision changes.
Presbyopia is a condition where near objects become blurry because your eye muscles can no longer focus effectively due to aging. This condition typically starts in your 40s and will require you to use reading glasses or bifocals in order to see clearly. Cataracts are also common among older adults, and these occur when cloudy patches form in your eye lenses, leading to blurry vision or difficulty seeing in low light conditions. Macular degeneration is an age-related eye condition that causes blurred vision and blind spots in the middle of your field of view, usually caused by damage to the macula—the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. Glaucoma is another serious condition that occurs when nerve cells in your eyes are damaged due to increased pressure in your eyeballs which can lead to severe vision impairment if left untreated.
Age-related vision changes can be intimidating but it’s important that we all understand how vital it is for us to stay vigilant about our eye health as we get older. Adopting regular checkups with an ophthalmologist or optometrist and being aware of any symptoms you may experience will help you keep your eyes healthy as you age. If you notice any sudden changes in your vision or experience any discomfort, contact your eye doctor immediately! Keeping up with necessary preventive care now will help ensure better long-term outcomes for your vision later on down the road!