Aging and Maintaining Good Vision | Older Americans Month

Getting older is unavoidable. Although aging may bring some common eye changes, you can still keep your eyes healthy and maintain good vision. May signifies the start of Older Americans Month. It is a good time to learn how to age well and stay healthy, including our eyes. 

Common eye issues as you age

Most of the eye conditions below can develop at any age, but certain eye conditions and diseases are more likely to occur as you get older. Below are some common conditions that may affect your eyes as you age.

Cataracts: Cataracts are one of the most common eye problems that affect older adults. The National Eye Institute estimates that about 50 percent of adults over the age of 80 develop cataracts. Cataracts involve a clouding of the lens in the eye, which interferes with normal vision. Vision gradually becomes blurry.

Dry eyes: Although dry eyes can occur at any age, as you get older, your risk increases. According to research in International Ophthalmology Clinics, a person’s risk of developing dry eyes increases every five years after the age of 50. Dry eyes can cause symptoms such as irritation, redness, and burning.

Loose skin: The skin around the eyes can become loose and sag. Although loose skin is usually only a cosmetic issue, sagging skin on the upper eyelid can impact vision if it becomes significant.

Presbyopia: Presbyopia is one of the most common vision changes that may start as early as your late 30s. It involves a decreased ability to see small print. 
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Tips for maintaining good vision and healthy eyes

Keeping your eyes healthy and maintaining good vision as you age starts early. Consider taking the following steps:

Get a baseline exam: The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends everyone have a baseline eye exam by the age of 40.  A baseline exam helps detect eye problems early. Many eye conditions do not cause symptoms at first and are only diagnosed through an eye exam.

Know what to watch for: There are certain signs and symptoms that indicate you may have an eye condition. Before assuming any changes to your vision are a “normal” part of aging, it is best to talk to an eye doctor. Warning signs you may have an eye disease include:

• Floaters in your field of vision
• Double vision
• Decreased tear production
• Reduced ability to see distant objects

Treat underlying medical conditions: Various medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, can lead to changes in your eyes. To reduce the risk of eye complications, treat underlying medical conditions as advised by your doctor.

Stick to a healthy lifestyle: Healthy lifestyle habits can go a long way in keeping your eyes in good shape. Stick to the basics, such as getting regular exercise, eating a diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, getting enough sleep, and not smoking.

Protect your peepers: Maintaining good vision as you age also means protecting your eyes from long-term exposure to UV rays. Wear sunglasses when you are outside during the day. It is also important to wear proper eye protection when playing certain types of sports that can lead to an eye injury.

Maintain healthy skin: Keeping the skin around your eyes healthy won’t directly impact vision, but most of us want firm skin and fewer wrinkles. Although it may not be possible to prevent all lines around the eyes, using a good moisturizer, wearing sunglasses outside to prevent squinting, and not smoking can help you maintain the integrity of your skin.

Although we can’t stop aging, we can take steps to keep our eyes healthy. If you have any questions about eye health, we are happy to help. Also, if you would like to ask about whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600. 
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