Aging can impact every part of your body, including your eyes. Older individuals are also more likely to develop physical diseases such as diabetes, which can have vision-related effects. Fortunately, by recognizing the natural changes and knowing how an eye doctor can help, you can prevent long-term issues. 

A Guide to Aging & Eyesight 

What Are Common Age-Related Conditions? 

Existing problems like nearsightedness or farsightedness can worsen over time, but even people who had 20/20 vision in their youth can experience issues as they age. Aging impacts cellular function. Since cells aren’t renewing as quickly, certain components of the eye become less flexible, while others cloud.  

There are a few typical ways that age-related vision problems manifest, including: 

• Presbyopia: In this condition, objects up close will appear blurry. This condition is caused by the lens becoming less flexible, resulting in a loss of focus. It may be corrected with reading glasses. 
• Cataracts: Over time, protein may accumulate in the lens, causing cloudiness. This can be corrected surgically. 
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetes can cause this condition, in which the blood vessels in the eye stop feeding the retina properly.
• Macular Degeneration: Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in seniors, and is caused by the macula wearing down. Left untreated, the early, dry variety can progress to the more serious wet kind. 

How Can You Protect Your Vision?

While there isn’t much you can do about getting older, you can maintain your quality of life and mitigate damage by getting regular vision screenings from your eye doctor. During exams, they’ll check the condition of your eye and look for the earliest signs of trouble.

You can also prevent vision injury by always wearing sunglasses outdoors and only using prescribed vision products. Eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants can also help protect cell health. 

If you have noticed new vision concerns, reach out to Alexander Eye Associates & Optical in Rochester, NY. Since their inception, these trusted eye doctors have been helping clients with everything from comprehensive vision exams and contact lens prescriptions to LASIK eye surgery. To find out more about how they can help, visit their website or call them at (585) 325-3070.