Your body undergoes different changes as a natural part of the aging process, and your eyes are no exception to this rule. As you age, you may notice a decline in your short-range vision, as well as other eye-related issues. In today’s post, your trusted family eye care clinic, Park Slope Eye, talks about common age-related visual changes.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Older individuals, especially postmenopausal women, are at a greater risk of developing dry eye syndrome. Hormonal changes that occur as you age may affect your tears’ consistency, causing them to evaporate too quickly. Your eyes may feel dry, itchy, and watery. We may prescribe artificial tear drops to relieve your discomfort. For more severe cases, we may insert punctal plugs to keep your tears healthy and plentiful.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a refractive error that develops when your eyes’ natural lenses lose their flexibility. This is an age-related condition that tends to affect people when they enter their 40s. People with presbyopia have impaired short-range vision, while their distant-range vision remains sharp. If you notice yourself suddenly needing to hold reading materials at arm’s length to see them, you may be experiencing presbyopia. Your expert eye doctor may recommend wearing multifocal lenses or reading glasses for your improved close-range visual acuity.
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is currently the top cause of vision loss among senior Americans. It develops when your macula, which plays an important role in providing your central vision, deteriorates. Objects directly in front of you may appear blurry. Although there is no standard cure for this condition at the moment, a healthy lifestyle and regular eye checkups can help delay its progression.
Cataracts
The proteins in your eyes disintegrate as you age, causing fragments of them to be deposited on the surface of your eyes. These are known as cataracts, and they block light rays from reaching your eyes, resulting in visual changes. Your eye care specialist may suggest using high-prescription lenses to help you see better. If the cataracts are causing significant visual limitations, we may recommend surgery to remove them.
For any questions about common eyesight changes as you age, fill out our contact form to request an appointment. We serve Brooklyn, NY, and the surrounding communities.
