Older adults over 65 years should get annual eye exams. Regular eye exams can catch and treat vision changes early — vision changes that could otherwise cause vision loss later.
Your body works differently as you get older — the same rules apply to your vision.
It’s important to recognize when to talk with your eye doctor about troublesome changes to your vision. Here’s what to know.
Many people experience subtle differences in their vision as they reach middle age and the decades that follow. This may include:
- Trouble seeing up close: Also known as presbyopia, this condition generally starts after age 40. You may need to hold any reading material further away or magnify it.
- Difficulty distinguishing colors: It may take you longer to distinguish shades of color, such as seeing how much black coffee is left in a dark blue mug.
- Slower adjustment to light changes: As you move from dimly lit to brightly lit rooms or areas, or vice versa, it may take longer for your eyes to adjust.
Taking small steps, like changing the lighting in your home or getting vision correction, may help you start to see better again.
A number of eye conditions are more likely to develop with age. Recognizing the early signs of these may improve the chances of effective treatment.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
AMD is the gradual loss of central vision. Objects may seem blurry, shapes may look distorted, or you may see a dark or empty spot at the center of your field of vision.
Dry AMD is the more common form of AMD. Eye-friendly nutrients, including lutein and zeaxanthin, may
The less common type, wet AMD, may cause rapid, severe vision loss. Early treatment, including eye injections or laser treatment, may help preserve vision.
Cataracts
Cataracts, or blurry spots in your eye lens, are common as you get older.
Symptoms of cataracts may include:
Diabetic retinopathy
People with diabetes may develop diabetic retinopathy. High blood sugar levels in your body, which can damage blood vessels in your retina,
Early signs of diabetic retinopathy may include:
- seeing spots
- blurred vision
- difficulty seeing at night
- a dark spot at the center of your vision
Managing your blood sugar levels may help prevent diabetic neuropathy or slow its development. If you do develop diabetic neuropathy, depending on the severity, laser surgery or eye injections are treatment options.
Dry eye
Many people experience dry eye, though it becomes more common as you get older. It’s known to affect women in particular as they age.
Your eyes may sting, burn, or feel sandpaper-like, as your tear glands aren’t working properly to lubricate them.
Dry eye is treatable with:
- eye drops
- ointments
- home remedies like humidifiers
Floaters
Eye floaters appear as specks or lines in your field of vision. This happens when clumps of cells inside your eye cast shadows on your retina.
Floaters usually don’t require treatment. But if you suddenly notice a lot of new floaters or your vision becomes obstructed, it could be a sign of retinal tear or detachment, which are serious conditions that require immediate treatment.
Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment occurs when your retina separates from your eye’s tissue. Symptoms may include:
- flashes of light
- loss of central vision
- a shadow curtain obstructing vision
- a rapid increase in floaters
Comprehensive routine eye exams can help screen for retinal detachment. The earlier it’s caught and treated, the better. Left untreated, it may result in vision loss.
Your doctor may use eye injections, lasers, or cryotherapy to treat retinal detachment.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs when fluid builds up in your eye and damages your optic nerve. Left untreated, glaucoma may result in vision loss. It’s the main cause of blindness in people over age 60 years.
Most people don’t experience symptoms of glaucoma until they experience vision loss. Regular screenings can help detect glaucoma and treat it and prevent blindness.
Treatment options for glaucoma include medications or surgery to decrease pressure in your eye.
Low vision
Some people experience vision changes with age that interfere with daily tasks, which glasses can’t correct. This is called low vision.
People with low vision may have difficulty:
- reading street signs
- recognizing faces
- with tasks like cooking
An eye doctor will diagnose low vision. A vision specialist can recommend aids to help, like magnifying glasses.
As the years go by, you may experience changes in your eyelid health.
Inflammation
You may start to notice inflammation in your eyes, known as blepharitis. This may make your eyes:
- red
- sore
- feel swollen
Eye drops, warm compresses, lid scrubs, and antibiotics are all possible treatments for eyelid inflammation.
Droopy eyelids
Your eyelids may also start to lower or droop.
When your lower lid droops due to muscle weakness or nerve damage, it’s called ptosis. Excess skin around your eyes is called dermatochalasis.
These conditions may affect your vision but are treatable with surgery. Some people with ptosis may use a prescription eye drop to raise their eyelid.
Lifestyle changes may help prevent many eye conditions associated with aging.
- Avoid smoking, if you smoke: Smoking
increases your risk of developing AMD and cataracts. Speak with your doctor about a smoking cessation program if you want to quit. - Eat a nutrient-rich diet: Certain nutrients, such as lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, copper, and zinc, may
promote eye health and prevent certain eye conditions. Incorporate plenty of leafy green vegetables, fruits, nuts, and fish into your diet. - Stay active and maintain a moderate weight: Obesity may increase your risk for glaucoma, AMD, and other eye conditions.
- Manage other health conditions: Managing high blood pressure and diabetes may help prevent conditions like diabetic neuropathy that can otherwise lead to vision loss.
- Wear sunglasses: Protecting your eyes from ultraviolet light outdoors can help maintain your vision.
- Schedule regular eye checkups: If you’re 65 years or older, an annual eye exam with an eye doctor may help you catch vision problems early and get necessary treatment before they can cause other vision issues.
Your eyesight changes as you get older. Some of these changes are manageable with lifestyle adjustments, like wearing glasses and adjusting the lighting in your home.
Taking care of your overall health can help promote eye health as you age. Scheduling annual eye exams if you’re over 65 years can detect serious eye conditions where early treatment can help prevent vision loss.
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