How Aging Affects Our Eyes

It’s normal that the passing years affect our bodies—and, naturally, this includes the eyes. It’s normal to notice some vision changes as you age but it’s important to know what’s considered normal and what might need further investigation.

The following looks at both normal and abnormal changes and what you can do to protect your vision to keep your eyes as healthy as possible.

The Lowdown on Aging Eyes 

• What is “normal” for aging eyes?
• Changes that require investigation

What is “normal” for aging eyes? 

For most of us, we start to experience minor eyesight changes associated with aging from around 40 years onwards. Typical symptoms include:

• Not being able to distinguish between similar colors, like black and dark blue
• Problems with near vision (and the typical response of holding whatever you’re looking at as far away as possible)
• Your eyes take a while to adjust when moving from the light to a dimly lit area and vice versa

Thankfully, these normal changes are usually easy to treat with corrective lenses. As you continue to age into your 60s and beyond, making easy adjustments, such as well-lit areas for reading, will help maintain your lifestyle.

Changes that require investigation 

There is, however, an increased risk of developing other age-related diseases as the years pass. The following are some of the more common ones that, if diagnosed, will need investigation and treatment. 

• Cataracts: This is a very common condition that develops very slowly over many years. It’s caused by proteins clumping together over the lens of the eye. When this becomes more advanced, vision becomes impaired and—if not treated with a simple operation—can lead to complete vision loss.
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): This affects central vision and, while it doesn’t usually cause complete blindness, can dramatically affect a sufferer’s quality of life. There are two types of AMD—wet and dry. Both require specialist treatment to help prevent the condition from getting worse.
• Glaucoma: This is where there’s too much fluid pressure within the eye or eyes. Left untreated, it can cause blindness. There are various forms of treatment, including medication, eye drops, and surgical options.
• Dry Eye: While common, this rarely causes a decline in vision, although it can be very uncomfortable and severe cases can be life-altering. The name is a little confusing, as the condition means your eyes will water and tear excessively. There are different ways to approach the problem, including artificial tears, eye drops, and surgery.

Should you notice any of the following symptoms then you should seek expert investigation: 

• Peripheral or central vision loss
• Cloudy vision
• An increase in the number or size of floaters
• Pain, redness, or excessive eye-watering

Protecting Aging Eyes

• Top tips for protecting your vision

Top tips for protecting your vision 

By far the best way to protect your vision at all stages of life is to have regular eye exams. That way, any condition will be diagnosed at the earliest stage and any necessary treatment commenced.

Other steps to protect your vision include: 

• Keeping your weight within boundaries
• Keeping cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure under control
• Eating a healthy diet that includes lots of dark leafy greens
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Not smoking or giving up if you do
• Wearing good quality sunglasses in bright light

Partner with Modern Cataract Surgery to Keep Aging Eyes in Good Health 

No matter how old you might be today, your eyes are aging. Our clinicians are passionate about ensuring that their patients benefit from their best possible eyesight throughout their life. Whether you’re a sprightly 20-year-old with 20/20 vision, have noticed some visual changes in your 40s or 50s, are worried about cataracts, or anything in between, partnering with the Modern Cataract Surgery Center is key to great visual health. 

Cataracts are one of the biggest concerns once you hit the big five-oh, meaning it’s essential that if and when they begin to form, they’re diagnosed at the earliest stage. Our expertise in cataract surgery and all other areas of aging eye health means you’re in the best hands.

Discover more at (website link) and call today to book a consultation.

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