As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and our eyes are no exception. These changes can affect our eye health in different ways, and it’s essential to understand what to expect so we can take care of our eyes properly.
In this blog, we’ll talk about some of the most common eye health issues that come with aging and how you can keep your eyes healthy and strong.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a condition that affects our ability to see things up close as we get older. It happens because the lenses in the eyes become less flexible, which makes it harder to focus on close objects. You might notice that you need to hold your phone or book further away from your eyes to read it clearly, or that you need more light to see things close up. This is a normal part of aging and usually starts around age 40.
Dry eyes
Another common eye health issue that comes with aging is dry eyes. Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears produced are of poor quality. Symptoms of dry eyes can include irritation, burning, and redness. To help alleviate dry eye symptoms, your eye doctor may recommend eye drops or other treatments.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s lens, which can cause blurry vision, halos around lights, and difficulty seeing at night. Cataracts are a common age-related eye condition and are typically treated with surgery to replace the clouded lens with a clear, artificial one.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
AMD is a progressive eye disease that affects the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision. Symptoms can include blurred or distorted vision, and in advanced cases, total loss of central vision. While there is no cure for AMD, your eye doctor may recommend certain vitamins and lifestyle changes to slow its progression.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss and even blindness if left untreated. While there is no cure for glaucoma, early detection and treatment can help slow its progression.
To keep your eyes healthy as you age, it’s important to have regular eye exams with your eye doctor. They can help detect and treat any eye health issues before they become more serious. In addition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet and not smoking, can also help keep your eyes healthy.
Remember, our eyes are precious, and it’s important to take care of them as we age. By understanding what to expect and taking proactive steps to maintain our eye health, we can continue to enjoy clear vision and a high quality of life well into our golden years. If you have any eye concerns or are just looking for peace of mind, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our eye doctor in Mansfield.
