Caring for your aging eyes

Presbyopia

This common, natural condition affects your ability to see up-close objects clearly. It happens to everyone—as you get older, the lens inside your eye becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on close-up tasks like reading or using a smartphone. A telltale sign of presbyopia is someone holding their phone or a restaurant menu at arm’s length.

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Cataracts

These occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision, and decreased contrast and color perception. Cataracts are a natural condition common with advancing age and can be treated with surgery if they start to interfere with daily activities.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in seniors. It affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Symptoms include blurred or distorted vision, seeing straight lines as wavy and in the more advanced stages, difficulty recognizing faces.

Glaucoma

This group of eye diseases damages the optic nerve, due to increased pressure within the eye. It can cause gradual permanent loss of peripheral vision and, if left untreated, may lead to complete vision loss and blindness. Treatment typically includes using eye drops to lower the pressure inside the eye.

1. Regular eye exams

Schedule comprehensive eye exams with an eye care professional at least once a year. Regular check-ups can detect early signs of age-related eye conditions and help manage them effectively. For example, early diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma is essential in preventing vision loss. A comprehensive eye examination can also detect undiagnosed systemic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can promote good eye health. Also, staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight may reduce the risk of eye diseases.

3. Protect your eyes

Prolonged UV exposure has been associated with early onset of cataracts. Wear a combination of a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays to protect your eyes from this harmful sun exposure. Use safety eyewear when doing things that could cause eye injury, such as woodworking or gardening.

4. Quit smoking

Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing age-related eye diseases such as AMD and cataracts. Quitting smoking can significantly improve your eye health.

5. Give your eyes a rest

When using digital devices or reading for an extended period, take regular breaks to rest your eyes. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

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