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Age affects the entire body, including your eyesight. It’s common to experience issues with your vision as you get older and you should know the proper steps to preserve it. Below is a helpful eye care guide to use alongside your optometrist’s advice.

A Guide to Aging & Eyesight

How the Eyes Change

The condition presbyopia is when the lens in each eye becomes less flexible with age and makes it more challenging to focus on objects. Many people require glasses or contact lenses around the age of 40 because of this. More light enters the eye, which can increase the glare off of transparent surfaces. Lens discoloration may make it difficult to distinguish between two colors, and hormonal changes can result in dry eyes.

These symptoms are common and require treatment by an eye care professional. They can properly diagnose the vision changes and prescribe corrective lenses to manage them.

Age-Related Eye Problems

eye careAside from reduced focus, you may notice floating spots in your vision, which can be a sign of retinal detachment. You may also develop cataracts, which are cloudy areas in your lenses. These can obstruct your eyesight and need surgical removal.

Glaucoma most commonly affects patients aged 60 and up and can result in blindness. The eye cannot drain fluid due to increased pressure on the optic nerve, leading to irreparable damage. Patients may experience blurred vision, eye pain, and nausea. It’s important to schedule regular eye exams to catch early symptoms.

Age-related macular degeneration is a threat to the retina, which helps with facial recognition and blurred vision. It occurs when cells in the retina die. The condition is treatable when caught early; when untreated, it can result in permanently blurred vision.

How to Preserve Vision

Start preserving your vision today by making healthy lifestyle choices. Eat well and exercise to maintain a healthy weight. High-blood pressure and cholesterol can contribute to eye problems, as well as diabetes, which impacts vision.

Reduce sun-related damage by wearing sunglasses any time you’re outside. Choose lenses that cover your entire eye and filter damaging UV-A and UV-B waves. Alert your eye care professional about any changes in your vision and schedule exams each year after age 60.

 

If you’re overdue for an eye exam, contact The Whitefish Eye Center of Montana. This practice has welcomed patients for over 40 years and provides comprehensive eye care services. A specialist will help you find prescription glasses or contact lenses, and if needed, schedule laser eye surgery to improve your vision. Call (406) 862-2020 to schedule an exam, and visit their website to learn more about the practice.

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