Your vision changes as you grow older, and you may find you need correction after years of 20/20 vision. This doesn’t mean you need to deal with the inconvenience and appearance change that comes with wearing eyeglasses. There are many different types of contact lenses that seniors can wear to keep their vision sharp. Below, learn about your options so you can work with your eye doctor to find the best solution for your eye care needs.

How Vision Changes as You Age

Your vision naturally changes as you get older. For example, presbyopia is a normal loss of nearsighted vision that occurs as you age. Once you pass the age of 40, you may have trouble focusing on small items or text up close, which is why many seniors wear reading glasses.

Age is a significant risk factor for many other vision conditions that may have more severe effects. Approximately half of adults in the United States over the age of 75 have cataracts, which is the blurring of the eye’s lens. More than 2.7 million Americans over the age of 40 have glaucoma, which causes damage to the optic nerve. Almost 2.1 million Americans over the age of 50 have late age-related macular degeneration, which damages the retina.

Types of Lenses for Seniors

Most seniors prefer to wear soft contact lenses, which are disposable and are thus easier to keep clean. They also help dry eye problems, since they lock moisture into the eye and compensate for the fact that the eyelids become less elastic as you age.

For those who need higher vision correction, hard lenses are ideal. They typically create the same correction as glasses do to keep your eyesight sharp. They are gas-permeable, which means that oxygen flows through them to keep your eyes healthy.  

Dr. Ron Sealock will help you find the right contact lenses for your needs in Dothan, AL. This state-of-the-art optometry center is staffed by an experienced and reliable medical team. They accept most types of insurance and offer flexible financing plans. Learn more information on their website and call (334) 793-9607 to schedule an appointment.