Ageing eyesight
From early to mid-40s, many people may start to have ageing eyesight problems such as seeing clearly at close distances, especially when reading or working on the computer. This is among the most common problems people face with ageing.
Common eyesight problems you may deal with
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a ageing eyesight issue is the loss of ability to see close objects or small print. It is a normal process that happens slowly over a lifetime. You may not notice any change until after age 35 or 40. People with the disease often hold reading materials at arm’s length. Some people get headaches or “tired eyes” while reading or doing other close work.
Floaters and flashers
Floaters are tiny spots that float across the field of vision. People often notice them in well-lit rooms or outdoors on a bright day. Floaters are normal, but can sometimes indicate eye problems such as retinal detachment, especially if they are accompanied by light flashes.
Dry eyes
Dry eyes also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca happen when tear glands can’t make enough tears or produce poor quality tears. Dry eyes can be uncomfortable, cause itching, burning or even some loss of vision.
Tearing or epiphora
Tearing, or epiphora can come from being sensitive to light, wind, or temperature changes. Tearing may also mean that you have a more serious problem, such as an eye infection or a blocked tear duct. In addition, people with dry eyes may tear excessively because dry eyes are easily irritated.
While eye problems and eye diseases become more prevalent with age, many can be prevented or corrected if eyes are taken care of regularly.
Diabetes-related retinopathy
This disorder is a complication of diabetes. It occurs when small blood vessels stop feeding the retina properly. In the early stages of it, the blood vessels may leak fluid, causing blurred vision or no symptoms at all. As the disease advances, you may notice floaters, blind spots or cloudiness of vision. New blood vessels may grow and bleed into the center of the eye, causing serious vision loss or blindness.
For diabetes-related swelling of the retina, drug injections and laser may improve or preserve vision. In most advanced cases, laser treatment can prevent blindness. It’s very important that people with diabetes have an eye exam with pupil dilation every year. Very importantly, the likelihood of diabetes-related retinopathy is significantly decreased with good blood sugar management.
Here is how you can prevent common ageing eyesight issues:
Take regular check ups near physician to identify diseases such as diabetes that could cause eye problems.
Visit an optometrist every year to have a complete eye exam. Most eye diseases can be treated if they are found early.
Have an eye exam with pupil dilation at least once every year if you have diseases like diabetes or if you or a family have a history of eye disease.
Visit an eye doctor immediately if you have any sudden loss of eyesight, blurred vision, eye pain, double vision, redness, swelling of your eye or eyelid, or discharge coming from the eye.
How can you help to prevent ageing eyesight problems?
While eye problems and eye diseases become more prevalent with age, many can be prevented or corrected if you:
- See your family physician regularly to check for diseases that could cause ageing eyesight problems, like diabetes.
- Visit your ophthalmologist or optometrist every year. Having a test with an eye doctor is important because most ageing eyesight issues can be treated if they are found early. The eye doctor may dilate or enlarge your pupils by putting drops in your eyes. The doctor will also test your eyesight and check for glaucoma.
- Have an eye exam with pupil dilation at least once every year if you have diabetes or if you or a family have a history of eye disease. See an eye doctor immediately if you have any sudden loss of eyesight, blurred vision, eye pain, double vision, redness, swelling of your eye or eyelid, or discharge coming from the eye.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/8567-common-age-related-eye-problems
