Key Takeaways
- Vision changes come naturally with aging; however, some issues could be a sign of an underlying eye disease.
- Conditions such as presbyopia, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration are common after age 50.
- Lifestyle habits such as a healthy diet, UV protection, and screen management can help preserve vision.
- Manage chronic health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure to support long-term eye health.
- Be sure to get regular, comprehensive eye exams—even with no obvious symptoms.
When it comes to vision, subtle shifts can happen as we age. Perhaps you see halos around lights while driving at night, or maybe you find yourself holding the restaurant menu closer to your face to read it. These are all common afflictions in older adults and many are natural. However, some changes could signal early signs of serious eye conditions.
If you are over 50, it’s important to know what to look out for so you can better maintain clear, healthy vision for years to come. Part of that involves attending yearly vision exams in Austin TX to ensure your eyes are healthy.
A Look at Some Common Age-Related Vision Changes
Presbyopia is the most common eye condition in adults over 50. This is when the eyes have a decreased ability to focus on close objects. The solution typically involves getting fitted for reading glasses or progressive lenses.
Other common changes include:
- Seeing glare or halos around lights while night driving
- Difficulty distinguishing objects from their background (reduced contrast sensitivity)
- Color perception shifts (blues and greens)
While these changes don’t always translate to eye diseases, they can detract from your quality of life. Keep an eye on them and keep attending your regular yearly exams.
Serious Eye Conditions: When To Be Concerned
Some age-related eye problems don’t have any obvious symptoms in the beginning stages, another reason why routine eye exams are essential in older adults.
Be aware of these four eye conditions that people over 50 are particularly at risk for:
1. Cataracts
Cataracts develop as we age, clouding the natural lens of our eyes. This can lead to blurry vision, sensitivity to light, or faded colors. Cataracts are treatable with surgery – in fact, this is the most common vision care surgery, with three million people undergoing it each year in the United States.
2. Glaucoma
Glaucoma doesn’t usually cause pain or early symptoms, but it silently lurks behind the scenes, slowly damaging the optic nerve thanks to increased eye pressure. Vision cannot be restored once it is lost, which is why regular screenings are vital.
3. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
About 20 million U.S. adults suffer from AMD, which affects the central part of your vision that you rely on to read, drive, and recognize faces. There are two main forms—dry and wet—and each kind has its own treatment.
4. Diabetic Retinopathy
If you have diabetes, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the retina. Diabetic retinopathy doesn’t always display symptoms in early stages but can cause severe vision loss if not caught and treated early on.
Protecting Your Vision After Age 50
Heed these tips to protect your vision and slow down age-related vision changes.
Schedule Comprehensive Eye Exams
You should schedule a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years — more frequently if you are high risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, or eye disease.
Eat Eye-Healthy Foods
Eat foods rich in:
- Lutein
- Zeaxanthin
- Omega-3s
- Vitamins A, C, and E
You can do your part to reduce the risk of AMD and other conditions by making leafy greens, citrus fruits, carrots, eggs, and salmon a part of your diet.
Wear Sunglasses
UV exposure boosts your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, so be choose to choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays when outdoors.
Manage Chronic Health Conditions
See your doctor for regular checks for your diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. If not managed properly, your eye health will suffer and you will be at a higher risk for vision loss.
Practice Smart Screen Use
Eye strain can occur when you stare at digital devices for long periods of time. Heed the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will reduce eye strain due to blue light exposure.
While vision changes after 50 are common, they don’t have to rule your life. Stay on top of your vision health by getting regular exams in Austin TX, and making smart lifestyle choices to preserve your vision and independence.
