As we age, many changes take place in our bodies. One change you might not notice as easily is your vision. While you’re paying more attention to aches and pains, your eyes are slowly becoming less effective at their jobs. Worse yet, your risk for developing certain illnesses that affect the eyes increases. To properly care for your eyes, it’s best to know what to expect.
Possible Vision Changes As You Age
Your eyes may be affected by different things over time. These issues can be related to age-related changes in the eyes as well as diseases that you may develop.
- Dry eyes - Over time, your tear ducts will produce fewer tears so your eyes won’t be as moisturized. Talking with your doctor will help to determine if dry eye treatments are all that you need.
- Reduced color vision - The cells that usually translate color in the eyes decline with age so you can expect to see colors less brightly.
- Reduced peripheral vision - You’ll lose your peripheral vision by degrees as you age. By the time you’re in your 70’s, you may lose up to 30% of your ability to see in certain parts of your visual field.
- Decreased reaction to light changes - The muscles in your body get less flexible over time and your eyes are no different. As those muscles get less flexible, your pupil won’t be able to react as readily to changes in the light. The result is that you might not be able to see as well in low light.
- Presbyopia - This refers to the inability to see objects that are close to you or read the small print. You may notice this change in your late 30’s to your early 40’s.
- Floaters - Floaters and flashes of light become more likely as you get older. They usually appear in well-lit rooms. You shouldn’t take them lightly, though, as it may signal a more serious condition.
- Detached retina - Technically, this could happen at any age. It describes when the inner and outer parts of the retina separate, resulting in a significant loss of vision.
- Watery eyes - Alternatively, your tear ducts may produce more tears than they’re supposed to. This gives your eyes a watery appearance.
- Cataracts - These can form slowly in the eyes as you age and will impair your vision. Regular check-ups usually catch them quickly.
- Glaucoma - This condition is generally caused by increased pressure in the eye. If left unchecked, it could lead to permanent blindness.
- Age-related macular degeneration - A macula is a group of cells that are sensitive to light and it’s essential for seeing detailed images. When this breaks down, your vision starts to get blurry.
- Diabetic retinopathy - One known side effect of diabetes is that the blood vessels stop feeding into the retina. When that happens, your vision will be affected. If you have diabetes, maintaining your blood sugar levels will be key.
- Conjunctivitis - Chronic inflammation can cause your eyes to become red and itchy.
How To Take Care Of Your Eyes
Taking care of your overall health will make a significant impact on your eyes. Studies show that a diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, will promote good eye health. While managing your consumption of refined sugars and processed foods may not be directly related to healthy eyes, it will keep illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension under control, which can affect your eyes.
It’s also important to protect your eyes from damage. When you’re outside, wear sunglasses and hats to keep the sun out of your eyes. If you work in an area where debris can get into your eyes, make sure to wear safety goggles. Electronic devices can put a strain on your eyes as well so do your best to reduce the time you spend on them.
Finally, you need to have your vision checked annually. That’s the only way you’ll know of any new conditions that might be developing. Better yet, it will be easier to identify if you need to wear glasses. If you’re already wearing glasses, regular check-ups will tell you if the lenses need to be changed.
There’s little you can do about the fact that your vision will change over time. However, if you take care of them and see your doctor regularly, you can identify potential issues early and get the treatment you need.
