While many things tend to get better with age, unfortunately, your vision is not one of them. Almost everyone will experience some common vision problems as they get older – like losing the ability to read clearly or focus up close. And some eye diseases, like macular degeneration or glaucoma, are more likely to affect people as they get older.
The good news is that you can take steps to protect against age-related vision loss by maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, getting routine eye exams, and seeing your eye doctor if you notice changes in your vision. If you have a history of eye disease in your family, you’ll need to notify your doctor and be extra vigilant.
Here are some of the ways in which your eyes may change as you get older.
In Your 40s and 50s
People in their 40s may suddenly notice they have trouble reading the menu in a restaurant or need to hold the newspaper farther away to see it clearly. Issues with near-vision often begin in your 40s, caused when the lens of the eye starts to lose its ability to change shape to adjust focus. Fortunately, there are many ways to address this common problem, including reading glasses, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses or even LASIK vision correction surgery.
Once you’re in your 50s, you are at increased risk for cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, post-menopausal women are at increased risk of dry eye. Fortunately, all these issues are treatable, but the best outcomes come with early diagnosis.
In Your 60s
When you are in your 60s, you may notice that you need additional light to see, because, as we age, the muscles that control our pupils’ reaction to light may weaken. In fact, people in their 60s are shown to need three times more ambient light to read than people in their 20s. Because your eyes take longer to adjust to changes in light, glare or bright sunlight can become more bothersome. People in this age group are also at a greater risk of vision loss from the eye diseases listed above.
In Your 70s and 80s
Once you’re in your 70s and 80s, you’ve typically lost 20 to 30 degrees of peripheral vision just through the natural aging process. Also, you may notice that colors are less distinct or that you have difficulty seeing contrasts. Finally, almost everyone in this age group will already have or is in the process of developing cataracts. Cataracts can only be corrected with surgery, but cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries in the United States and is considered to be very safe and effective.
Come See Us!
Whatever age you are, you can trust the expert eye doctors and surgeons at Tyson Eye to help protect your vision throughout your life.
Tyson Eye is regarded as one of the premier eye care centers in Southwest Florida. Our surgeons and doctors have helped thousands of people enjoy better vision and have consistently introduced break-through technology to the area. We are committed to excellence by delivering modern technology with old-fashioned concern. We’re here to help you see better! Call us at 239-542-2020 today or request an appointment.
