Changes in your body are expected as you age. For example, you may notice that your eyesight is not as sharp as it was when you were younger, even if you are wearing prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Low vision is an eyesight problem that’s more common among older people. Here’s what you need to know about it:
How Age Affects Your Risk of Having Low Vision
According to the National Eye Institute, your visual capacity declines a certain degree every year. This is why increasing age is a primary risk factor for many eye conditions. Cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration, in fact, are the top three vision problems that have their onset in adulthood.
Low vision often develops as a complication of these eye conditions. Your eye doctor explains that age-related systemic problems such as diabetes may also result in eye diseases that may cause gradual vision loss. Diminished visual and neurological functions are contributing factors to low vision, as well.
Detection, Prevention and Intervention
It is a priority to detect low vision as early as possible. This visual impairment may affect not only your visual health but your daily efficiency and overall well-being too. Studies show that this problem, along with increased age, increases your risk of injury. Feelings of depression and isolation are commonly linked to this condition, as well.
This is why it’s essential to have regular eye exams. Doing so can help us easily identify any visual changes, so we can provide prompt intervention. We may also include vision therapy in your treatment plan to rehabilitate and enhance your remaining useful eyesight. This involves using visual aids, as well as doing eye exercises and other visually stimulating activities. This can help you maintain independence over your daily tasks, letting you enjoy a better quality of life.
To learn more about the link between increasing age and low vision, complete our form and schedule an appointment. We serve Brooklyn, NY, and nearby areas.
