Age-related vision changes are common. Still, knowing when to discuss unsettling changes with your eye doctor is crucial. Two out of three Americans wrongly believe that vision loss is inevitable as they age. However, vision loss is not the norm. Here are common changes to vision and eye health that aging adults should watch for:

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a common eye disease found in adults over 50. You may not experience its symptoms during the early stages. However, your central vision will eventually weaken. 

Trouble Reading Fine Print

Presbyopia is a common age-related eye change that makes it harder to see up close. Reading glasses, contact lenses, and refractive surgeries can help improve near vision due to presbyopia. 

Poor Night Vision

As you age, your eyes take longer to adjust and focus in the dark due to weakened rod cells. Driving becomes trickier at night or during poor weather. The National Traffic Safety Administration recommends daytime driving for older people.

Glaucoma

This disease damages the optic nerve. If not addressed early, it can cause blindness. Symptoms are not always apparent in the early stages. Regular comprehensive eye examinations are the best way to protect vision and eyes.

Dry Eyes

People tend to produce fewer tears as they age, resulting in dry eyes. This uncomfortable eye condition is prevalent among postmenopausal women. Your ophthalmologist will recommend the best dry eye treatment for you.

Cataracts

Half of Americans over 75 develop cataracts, a clouding of the lens inside the eyes that makes it difficult to see. Cataract surgery can help treat this condition.

Objects Blending Into Backgrounds

A loss of contrast sensitivity can make distinguishing objects from backgrounds of similar color challenging. Low vision techniques like using opposite colors around the house can help with this problem.

Spots or Floaters in Your Vision

The vitreous can thicken or shrink with age, causing tiny clumps of gel to form and cause floaters in our vision. This condition is usually harmless, but discussing sudden increases in frequency with an ophthalmologist is best.

Red, Swollen Eyelids

Blepharitis, an eyelid inflammation, becomes more common as people age due to hormonal changes. Symptoms include swollen eyes, redness, soreness, or crusting around the eyelashes.

Glare Sensitivity

Aging adults with certain eye conditions can become increasingly sensitive to glare. Adjusting lighting around the house and covering eyes with sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat outdoors can lessen discomfort. 

Flashes of Light

Occasional flashes of light in vision often happen when the vitreous rubs or pulls on the retina. As with floaters, sudden increases in light flashes frequency require an expert diagnosis.

Diabetic Eye Disease

This condition is a leading cause of vision loss among older adults. Very high blood sugar levels can harm the retina's blood vessels, causing vision loss. There are various treatment options for diabetic retinopathy.

Eye Cancer

Ocular melanoma is the most common eye cancer. It is more common in aging adults. Routine comprehensive eye exams are essential to catch this condition early. Diagnosis begins with a dilated eye exam.

Conclusion

Consult your eye doctor for expert advice regarding changes in your vision. Some changes are manageable with straightforward lifestyle modifications. Others might be an indication of a medical condition requiring treatment. It is essential to have regular eye exams to detect problems early and protect your eyes and overall health as you age.

For more eye care tips, visit Advanced Eyecare Central Coast at our Pismo Beach, California office. Call (805) 773-6000 to schedule an appointment today.