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It’s natural for the eyes to weaken with age. Because this decline may be subtle, regular eye exams are essential, especially if you have certain risk factors. After evaluating your vision and overall health, an eye doctor can recommend how often to schedule eye exams. By understanding the correlation between age and worsening vision, you’ll be less likely to skip out on the optometrist. 

When Does Vision Typically Start to Worsen?

Most people start having trouble seeing small objects up close as they near 40. This is called presbyopia, which is the natural loss of focusing ability that occurs with age. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent presbyopia, but there are methods for coping. You can simply request a pair of reading glasses at the next eye exam. 

As the average person nears 50, presbyopia may become more advanced. The risk of other eye problems will also increase, including cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Upon turning 60, it may become harder to see in dim light, and visual disturbances like “floaters” may occur fairly often. Most people can expect to develop cataracts in their seventies if they haven’t already, and by their eighties, it is common for the field of vision to narrow and the ability to perceive colors to decline. 

How Can You Prevent Eye Problems As You Age?

eye examThe best way to maintain vision as you age is by scheduling regular eye exams. During every exam, your optometrist will evaluate your vision, treat minor issues before they develop into major problems, and suggest any corrective measures. Examples include glasses, contact lenses, and laser surgery. 

As for habits that can speed up vision decline, examples include smoking, staring at digital screens all day, failing to wear sunglasses, ignoring contact lens cleaning and disposal instructions, and eating a poor diet. If you work in front of a screen, give your eyes a break every so often. Avoid smoking and ingest more vitamin A, C, and E from foods such as bell peppers, sunflower seeds, and more. 

 

If you can’t remember the last time you had an eye exam, turn to Wing Eyecare. With locations throughout Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati area, they make it easy to get quality vision care. They opened their first office more than 100 years ago and remain committed to providing comprehensive services to this day. Whether you need new glasses or dry eye treatment, you can rely on their friendly team. To find the office nearest you, visit their website or call (888) 274-9464. 

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