Older age is a common risk factor in many medical problems – and eye conditions are no exception. Just like your body, your eyes and vision will change over time.
As you age, you may notice that you need more light to see as well as you used to. As you age, you may notice that you have difficulty reading or focusing on near objects. As you age, you may notice changes in tear production or even color perception.
According to the American Optometric Association, many adults begin to notice vision problems in their early-to-mid-40s. Common vision problems at this age, such as presbyopia (decreased focusing ability due to loss of elasticity of the lens of the eye), are progressive and will continue to worsen over time without treatment.
Some other common age-related eye conditions are:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Dry eye
- Cataracts
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Retina tears, holes, or detachment
So, the big question is: Can you prevent age-related eye conditions?
While you can’t keep yourself from getting older, you can take steps to slow or even prevent the onset of age-related eye conditions.
Wear sunglasses
Protecting your eyes from harmful UV light is important. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation can cause damage or disease, including cataracts, macular degeneration, or pterygium—a growth on the clear tissue of the eye. To learn more about UV safety, read this blog post.
Maintain a healthy weight
Eating healthy and maintaining movement through consistent, low-impact exercise is the ideal way to maintain a healthy weight. Read this blog for more information about good nutrition habits and exercise recommendations for good eye health.
Diagnose and treat chronic medical problems such as diabetes
Systemic health conditions directly impact every part of your body. Read this blog to learn more about how diabetes affects vision.
Never miss an exam
Routine comprehensive eye exams are important because they give your doctor the opportunity to monitor your eye health over time and increases the possibility of early detection of any problems. Learn more about the importance of annual exams and what to expect in this blog.