As we get older, it is only normal to experience various changes within the body. From aches and pains to hair loss and wrinkles, age is a natural part of life. With age also comes changes that may weaken or affect your vision and overall eye health.
Thankfully, there are a handful of precautions you can take to support your vision as you get older. While you may not be able to completely stop your eyesight from changing, the tips we will go over today are simple and effective in maintaining good eye health long-term. At First Eye Care DFW, we believe in educating our patients and providing them with the tools and resources they need to be healthy. By understanding how age affects the eyes, you will be able to take measures to protect them.
How Aging Affects the Eyes
Many people start to notice vision changes around the age of 40, and even more so when they turn 60. As you get older, there is an increased chance of vision loss. This is because the lens in the eye is less flexible and thinner when we reach middle age. Other ways the eyes change with age include:
- Damage from ultraviolet light, wind, and dust that causes yellowing or browning of the eyes
- Thinning of the conjunctiva
- Transparency of the sclera, characterized by a bluish tint
Common Age-Related Vision Conditions
Certain individuals may be more at risk than others of developing age-related vision conditions, but it is important that everyone is made aware of the potential changes that happen later in life. Some of the most common age-related vision conditions include:
- Presbyopia
- Cataracts
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Dry eyes
- Floaters
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Reduced pupil size
- Decreased color vision
Protect Your Eyes Before It’s Too Late
To protect your eyes and ensure your vision is as healthy as possible as you get older, there are certain steps you can take. In addition to seeing your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam at least once per year, the following may prevent vision loss and other age-related vision problems:
- Install task lighting in the kitchen, living room, office, and any other workspaces to brighten the area
- Make sure you have adequate lighting in rooms where you need to see small details, such as the garage or office
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in green, leafy vegetables
- Control diabetes
- Wear sunglasses or a hat when outside in bright sunshine
- Protect your eyes when playing sports or working around the house
- Schedule regular exams and tests with your eye doctor
There is nothing we can do about getting older, but we can take measures to protect our vision and stop age-related illnesses from swooping in. To learn more about how to cope with vision loss as you get older, please contact First Eye Care DFW and schedule an appointment with an optometrist.