Adult Vision Health - Prevent and Manage

It's a fact of life that vision changes as you get older. But these changes don't have to compromise your lifestlye. Knowing what to expect and when to seek professional care are important steps to safeguarding your vision.

Warning Signs of Age Related Eye Health Problems

• Many eye diseases have no early symptoms
• May develop painlessly
• May not be aware of changes to your vision until the condition is quite advanced

Wise lifestyle choices and regular eye exams can significantly improve your
chances of maintaining good eye health even as you age

Affects of Health Problems

Health problems affecting other parts of your body can affect your vision as well. Individuals with Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and Medications that have eye related side effects are at greater risk for developing vision problems.

Age-related Eye & Vision Problems

In the years after you turn 60, a number of eye diseases may develop that can change your vision permanently. The earlier these problems are detected and treated, the more likely you can retain good vision.

Age-related Macular Degeneration

• Eye disease affecting the macula (center of the light sensitive retina at the back of the eye)Causes loss of central vision
• Decrease in fine details and colors
• Activities like reading, driving, watching TV and recognizing faces all require good central vision
• Peripheral or side vision remains unaffected
  

Dry Eye

• Happens when there is an insufficient amount of tears or a poor quality of tears to lubricate and nourish the eye
• Tears are essential for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye
• Dry eye is a common and often chronic problem
  
  
  

Glaucoma

• A group of eye diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve resulting in field vision loss
• People that are at higher risk of developing Glaucoma are those with a Family History of Glaucoma, African Americans and Older Adults

Diabetic Retinopathy

• Occurs with people who have Diabetes
• A result of progressive damage to the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina
• They leak blood and other fluids that cause swelling and clouding of vision
• Affects both eyes
• The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely they will develop diabetic retinopathy, which could lead to blindness if untreated
  

Cataracts

• Cloudy or opaque areas in the normally clear lens of the eye
• Usually they develop in both eyes, but one may be worse than the other
• Cataracts can cause a Decrease in Contrast Sensitivity, a Dulling of Colors, and an Increase in Sensitivity to Glare

Retinal Detachment

• A tearing or seperation of the retina form the underlying tissue
• Cause by Trauma to the Head or Eye, health problems like Advanced Diabetes, Inflammatory Disorders of the Eye, but most often Occurs Spontaneously
• If not treated promptly, it can cause permanent vision loss

- Information in this post was provided by the American Optometric Association - www.aoa.org