As people get older, their eyes change in many ways, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still have healthy vision for years to come. While the most noticeable changes occur after the age of 60, good eye care and habits can protect and even improve your vision. Here are some of the ways eyes change with age and what can be done about it.

What Are the Most Common Eye Conditions?

Presbyopia

As you enter your 40s, you may notice that it becomes a little more difficult to focus on objects at close range. This is usually due to presbyopia, also known as farsightedness, which is the loss of elasticity in the lens of the eye.

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the tissue of the lens becomes clouded, blurring vision and reducing your ability to focus. According to the National Society to Prevent Blindness, over 25 million Americans have cataracts, making this extremely common.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma refers to a group of disorders which usually builds up excess pressure in the eye, damaging the optic nerve. The chance of developing glaucoma increases as you grow past your 40s, but only 3 to 17% of people are at risk of serious complications.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration occurs when the macula, a small portion of the retina, deteriorates, leaving the center of your vision blurred or cloudy. According to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, it affects more than 10 million Americans, making it one of the leading causes of blurred or lost vision.

How Do You Protect Your Eyes?

Deteriorated or lost vision can be distressing to deal with, but fortunately, there are lots of good eye care habits you can take up before this occurs, as well as many reliable treatment options. Presbyopia, for example, can be easily counteracted with a good pair of reading glasses. It’s also wise to incorporate moderate exercise into your daily routine and keep up a balanced diet to lower the pressure buildup in the eyes.

Avoid smoking, which can increase your risk of macular degeneration and blood pressure-related eye problems, and take breaks from screens. Even though more and more people are using smartphones and computers these days, take short breaks away from them to give your eyes time to rest and recover. If any conditions do develop in your eyes, consult with an eye doctor to discuss treatment options for common problems like glaucoma and cataracts.

 

If you’re experiencing any problems or have any concerns about your vision, you can rely on Daniel J. Kroger OD in West Chester, OH. Dr. Kroger has the benefit of 25 years of experience in compassionate and professional care, and he and his staff are committed to offering you excellent care at affordable rates. To find out how they can help you, call (513) 777-3936 today or visit them online.