Five Facts on Aging and Vision | Older American Month

Certain changes to your eyes and vision can occur as you age. Some of these changes are a natural part of aging, and some are more likely to appear depending on your lifestyle.

While it is true that aging can change your eyes, it is also important to understand that not all vision changes are inevitable.

May is Older Americans Month, which spotlights the health and wellness of adults as they age. Educating yourself on vision changes and understanding controllable factors can help you maintain eye health for a lifetime. 
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Continue reading for some facts on how aging affects the eyes and what you can do to protect your vision. Consider the facts below. 

Age is a risk factor for certain eye diseases

According to the National Eye Institute, certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration, occur more often in older adults.  

What you can do: You cannot always prevent every eye disease. However, you can get regular comprehensive eye exams to diagnose diseases. Early diagnosis and treatment provide the best chances to slow the progression of the condition and prevent vision loss.
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Older adults may have trouble with night vision

As you age, your eyes may take longer to adjust to the dark than when you were younger. The rod cells in your eye are responsible for low-light vision, and they weaken as you age.

What you can do: Treat underlying eye conditions, such as cataracts, that may interfere with vision. Wear prescription eyeglasses as needed. If nighttime driving becomes too difficult, adjust your schedule to drive only during the daytime. 
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Dry eye syndrome may become worse as you age

Dry eyes can become worse as you age for a few reasons. For example, hormonal changes can contribute to worsening dry eye. Additionally, older adults often produce fewer tears.

What you can do: Treatment for dry eyes is available. Various types of treatment, including eye drops, may help ease symptoms. Speak to your eye care specialist to determine the best type of treatment for you.
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Presbyopia is common after 40

Presbyopia involves normal changes to the eye which makes it increasingly difficult to focus on near objects. This makes activities such as reading challenging.

What you can do: Reading glasses may help make focusing on up-close objects easier. Refractive surgeries may also be an option. Recently, eye drop medications that may help some individuals with presbyopia have also been approved.
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You can take steps to promote good eye health as you age

Some age-related changes are normal. However, vision loss is not a normal part of aging. Various factors affect your eye health as you age, including genetics, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices.

What you can do: You cannot control your genetics or age, but you can control your lifestyle choices. Several things can significantly affect your eye health and reduce the risk of developing certain eye diseases and conditions. Healthy eye tips include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Not smoking
• Getting regular exercise
• Maintaining stable blood sugar levels if you have diabetes
• Eating a healthy diet including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
• Protecting your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses

We hope the above information reminds you of ways to maintain good eye health as you age. Although aging is inevitable, vision loss is not. There are things you can do to promote healthy eyes and vision throughout your life.
If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.