What Happens To Our Eyes As We Age?
Posted by: Coastal Eye Associates in Eye Health on August 14
As we age, we undergo a few changes as adults, from our hair turning gray to changes in our eyesight. One of our priorities is ensuring our patients are empowered with information to know what to expect to minimize risks.
What Are the Common Age-Related Vision Changes?
- Increased sensitivity to glare – this can be an issue when driving.
- Difficulty reading and doing things close-up – this is called presbyopia, when the lenses become less flexible, making it hard to complete activities such as reading a menu.
- Brighter lighting is needed to see – As we age, we often need more light to see, work, and read.
- Small changes in color perception – The eye’s clear lens can be slightly distorted and discolored, allowing muted colors. These changes may also signify cataracts, a clouding of the eye. According to the Mayo Clinic, about half of all 65-year-old Americans have some degree of cataract formation in their eyes.
Major Age-Related Eye Diseases
- Macular Degeneration (AMD) – More than two million Americans currently have age-related macular degeneration, which is expected to double by 2050 due to the aging population.
- Glaucoma – The risk of glaucoma increases each decade after the age of 40 from 1 percent to 12 percent in your 80s.
Early detection can effectively treat many eye conditions or delay their progression. Regular annual eye exams are not just a routine but a crucial tool for proactive detection, empowering you to take control of your eye health.
Gracefully Aging With a Healthy Vision
One significant component of promoting a healthy vision is living a healthy lifestyle. By eating healthily, staying active, and avoiding smoking, you are not just taking responsibility for your overall health but also for your eye health. Remember to protect your eyes from UV rays and digital eye strain and follow the 20-20-20 rule. The 20-20-20 rule states that every 20 minutes you look at a screen, you should look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Your eyes will thank you for it!
Your Healthy Eyes Are a Top Priority for Us!
We are committed to providing you with the best care and ensuring your eyes are in the best possible condition. If it has been a while since we have seen you, call us TODAY to schedule an appointment to prioritize your eye health.
