Just like the rest of your body, your eyes evolve as you get older. Knowing what to expect will help you prepare for the changes to come, for instance, by taking preventive steps to decrease the likelihood of age-related ocular health issues. Find out what to expect and learn why eye exams become increasingly important with age below.

How Your Eyes Change With Age

From age 40 onward, you may find it harder to view small print or objects close-up. Known as presbyopia, this occurs as the lens of the eye hardens and becomes less flexible. While presbyopia is a normal part of aging, you also become more susceptible to ocular health disorders as you get older.

For instance, cataracts, characterized by the clouding of the eye's lens, can develop with age-related tissue changes. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs when bits of protein collect under the retina or extra blood vessels form under the macula. Glaucoma, a buildup of pressure in the eye, may develop when ocular drainage ducts are blocked.

How to Protect Your Vision

Eat an eye-healthy diet. Vitamin A, found in leafy greens and orange vegetables like carrots, helps protect the cornea—while vitamin E found in almonds lowers the risk for AMD and cataract development. A balanced diet low in sugar also helps prevent Type 2 diabetes, which is the leading cause of blindness in American adults.

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the damages of ultraviolet radiation. Exposure to UV rays is linked to an increased risk of age-related eye issues, including both cataracts and AMD. Look for wrap-around frames that keep the sun from coming in at the sides of your lenses, too.

Finally, get regular eye exams. People 65 and older with no risk factors—like diabetes—should get an eye exam every one to two years. A professional will identify vision changes like presbyopia and fit you for eyeglasses. They can also detect signs of health problems before you notice symptoms. 

Eyewear Express has been helping residents of Rhinelander, WI, with their eye care needs for over 25 years. With three board-certified opticians on staff, they provide friendly, attentive service. They have an in-house lab, allowing them to process orders quickly and perform eyeglasses repairs and adjustments. Visit their website to find out more about eye exams and vision care services. For an eye doctor appointment, call (715) 365-1515.