As we age, our bodies change and our eyes are no exception. While some changes are normal, others can be signs of eye disease. The good news is there are steps you can take to protect your vision as you age. Read on, as we discuss the most common eye diseases in adults and elders, and provide tips on how to reduce the risks.
In this article:
3.2. Cataracts
3.3. Glaucoma
3.4. Diabetic Retinopathy
Common Changes in Vision in Older Adults
Many changes happen to your vision with aging. Some of the most common aging indicators you may notice about your eyes include:
Near vision loss (inability to see up close)
Trouble adjusting to brightness and light changes
Color perception problems, such as telling certain colors apart
Low night vision
Reduced contrast sensitivity
In many cases, there are simple solutions to these aging eyesight problems. Contact lenses, glasses, and certain light adjustments may provide the relief you are looking for and make it possible for you to carry on living independently, without hassle or discomfort.
However, as you age, you become more vulnerable to serious eye diseases, so you should not underestimate or undermine the risks. The best way to keep your eyes healthy is to pay regular visits to your eye doctor for eye examinations.
Medical professionals can identify existing and potential issues with your eyes and vision early on. That makes it easier to administer the proper treatments or to take precautions on time.
RELATED: How Night Vision Changes with Age?
Regular Eye Exams Are Good for You
Preventing vision loss and protecting your eyes begins with diagnosing and treating any problems as early as possible. Unfortunately, it is common for early-stage eye diseases to go undetected. The only way to ensure you catch any eye-related issues and complications on time is to pay a visit to the eye doctor's office for screening and eye exams.
Before your appointment with an ophthalmology specialist, write down your questions and concerns so that you can discuss them together. In addition, make sure to inform your eye doctor about any medication you are currently on, as some meds might impact your eyes.
Regular eye exams are crucial in preventing vision loss. People over 50 should have these exams annually or at the recommendation of their eye care professional, and those over 60 should have them every one to two years.
Patients with diabetes or high blood pressure should opt for a dilated exam at least once a year, even if it is well managed. The idea is to detect early changes, monitor them, and intervene when necessary.
The exam involves checking your best corrected visual acuity, measuring your intraocular pressure, the use of eye drops to dilate your pupils, and examining the eye structures using magnification lenses for any issues. It's also important to regularly check and update prescriptions for glasses or contacts.
Aside from that, it's important to see a primary healthcare provider or physician to monitor and treat conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure that can cause eye problems if left unchecked.
Eye Diseases That Occur While Aging
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
According to the CDC, AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in adults over the age of 65. This disease damages the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision.
The best way to minimize the risk of developing Age-Related Macular Degeneration is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, not smoking, and getting regular exercise.
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. The condition is very common in older adults and typically results from aging, genetics, smoking, and other environmental factors. To reduce the risk of cataracts, protect your eyes from the sun with sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) rays and avoid smoking.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes. It affects the blood vessels in the retina. It can cause vision loss. To reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy, manage blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol, as well as maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. This condition is often associated with increased pressure in the eye, but can also occur with normal eye pressure. It is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. One of the most effective ways to minimize the risk of glaucoma is to have regular eye exams and follow the recommended treatment plan if diagnosed.
For a full list of eye changes that happen to your eyes with age, check our related article:
RELATED: Eye Conditions from Old Age
Tips for Protecting Your Vision When Aging
Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams with your eye doctor.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and quit smoking.
Protect your eyes from the sun with hats and sunglasses that block UV rays.
Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or other activities that could cause eye injury.
Know your family history of eye disease and share that information with your eye doctor.
Follow the recommended treatment plan if diagnosed with an eye disease.
Keep your blood pressure under control.
Take regular screen breaks (if you spend long periods on a computer or other digital device).
Protecting your vision when aging requires a combination of a healthy lifestyle and regular comprehensive eye exams. By following the tips mentioned in this article, you can reduce the risk of developing common eye diseases and maintain your vision as you age.
For more articles and tips about eye health and eye care, check out our blog section for patients.
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All medical facts were checked by Atanas Bogoev M.D.