Aging comes with a lot of changes. Some of those changes may include holding your phone farther from your face to read a text or struggling to make out signs while driving. Changes in vision can happen to anyone, and while they’re sometimes temporary or minor, they shouldn’t be ignored.
Your eyesight is an integral part of your daily life, so understanding the possible reasons for vision changes is key to protecting and preserving it. Here are a few common factors that may contribute to worsening eyesight:
- Presbyopia
- Refractive errors
- Cataracts
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- Glaucoma
Let’s have a look at these conditions and how we can help you manage them as you age.
Are Vision Changes Normal with Age?
Most people will experience changes in their vision as they get older. Just like the rest of your body, your eyes go through natural aging processes that can affect how well you see. Some changes are subtle and manageable, like slight difficulty reading small print, but others could indicate deeper health concerns.
The good news is that advancements in eye care mean that many conditions can be managed effectively if detected early. Regular eye exams are critical in identifying potential problems and supporting clear and healthy vision.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is one of the most common age-related eye changes. Over time, the lens in your eye naturally loses flexibility, making it harder to focus on nearby objects. You might notice this when you’re trying to read small text on your phone or a label.
Signs of presbyopia include:
- Difficulty reading small print
- Holding reading materials farther away to see clearly
- Eye strain or headaches after close-up tasks
- Blurred vision at reading distances
This is a natural part of aging, though it may be more pronounced in some individuals. Fortunately, presbyopia is easy to address with prescription glasses or contact lenses designed for near vision. If reading has become a challenge, visit your optometrist for a consultation.
Refractive Errors
Refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness) can also cause gradual vision changes. These conditions are usually inherited or developed earlier in life, but they can worsen over time. This is especially true of myopia.
We can help by updating your prescription or exploring other solutions, such as laser eye surgery. For kids, myopia control is a way to slow myopia’s development and preserve their vision for the future.
Cataracts
Inside your eye lies a natural crystalline lens that focuses light onto your retina, giving you clear vision. Over the years, this lens can gradually become cloudy, leading to cataracts. Cataracts often develop slowly, but without treatment, they can lead to significant vision impairment.
Ways to spot cataracts include:
- Blurred or dimmed vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Halos around lights
- Fading or yellowed colours
Cataract surgery is a highly successful solution for restoring vision by replacing the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one. If you’re noticing dim or foggy vision, it’s worth discussing these changes with an eye care professional.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure inside the eye. What makes glaucoma particularly concerning is its subtlety; it usually progresses without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred.
Types of glaucoma include:
- Open-angle Glaucoma: Develops slowly and is most common.
- Angle-closure Glaucoma: A less common but more sudden and serious type.
- Normal-tension Glaucoma: Occurs even when eye pressure is within the normal range.
- Secondary Glaucoma: Results from other conditions, like trauma or inflammation.
Early detection is critical. Keeping up with your regular eye exams can help uncover glaucoma before it causes lasting damage, allowing you to successfully manage the condition.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. It can make tasks like reading, recognizing faces, or distinguishing fine details much harder.
The two types of AMD are:
- Dry AMD: The most common form, it progresses slowly as the macula deteriorates over time.
- Wet AMD: Less common but more severe, this type involves abnormal blood vessel growth that can rapidly lead to central vision loss.
While there’s no cure for AMD, early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can slow its progression, helping preserve your vision for as long as possible.
When to See an Optometrist
Not all changes in vision are cause for alarm, but some require urgent attention. If you experience any of the following symptoms, consider it a sign to schedule an appointment with your optometrist right away:
- Sudden or significant loss of vision
- Persistent blurriness that doesn’t improve with glasses
- Pain, redness, or swelling in the eyes paired with vision issues
- Frequent prescription changes in a short time
- Flashes of light, spots, or other unusual visual disturbances
We can help determine the cause and provide the care you need to protect your vision.
Clearer Vision for a Brighter Future
Your eyesight plays a vital role in your everyday life, and though noticing changes can feel worrisome, it’s the first step to treatment. With the right care, most conditions are treatable, manageable, and, in some cases, preventable.
Prioritize your eye health by staying consistent with eye exams and being proactive about any changes you notice. If you’re ready to take the next step towards clearer vision, book an eye exam today at Willoughby Doctors of Optometry. Our dedicated team is here to provide the personalized care you deserve.
