Most people worry about developing fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots as they grow older, but few people consider how their vision might change. Yet, issues can develop as you age that can affect your quality of life.
If you want to know the potential complaints you could experience and the solutions available, check out the five common vision problems below caused by aging.
Table of Contents
1. Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is more likely to develop as a person grows older, and it is caused by insufficient moisture along the surface of the eyes. People who develop this vision issue typically experience the following symptoms:
- Poor tear quality
- Sore eyes
- Blurred vision
- A burning sensation
- Watery eyes
- A sandy feeling inside the eye
If you suspect you have dry eye syndrome, your doctor can prescribe eye drops or medication to decrease inflammation. Also, you may need to improve your lid hygiene or make changes to your diet.
2. Blepharochalasis
As you age, your eyelid skin might lose its elasticity, which can lead to sagging. As a result, the excess skin can rest on your lashes and enter your upper field of vision. If you’re experiencing this issue, eyelid surgery in Atlanta can remove the excess tissue and improve your eyesight. The simple procedure can improve your appearance and vision, and you could return to your everyday routine after a few days of recovery.
3. Cataracts
Most young people will have lenses that are as clear as glass, which allow them to see with ease. However, as people grow older, cloudy patches can develop across their lens, which can lead to blurred vision and potential blindness.
Cataracts tend to develop at a slow rate and do not cause pain, teary ducts, or redness. If you experience blurred vision, book an appointment with an eye doctor immediately. You may need to undergo surgery to replace your lens with an artificial alternative.
4. Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) will affect the macula, which is located in the retina’s center and provides central vision. Early signs of this vision problem can include fuzzy, distorted, or shadowy central vision.
If you develop AMD, you might have trouble performing everyday activities, such as driving, reading, writing, and identifying color shades. Your risk will be determined by your age, race, smoking history, and genetics. If you suspect you have AMD, you must organize a full retinal examination to slow down progression.
5. Glaucoma
Glaucoma tends to affect people over the age of 40, and it is due to a build-up of pressure inside the eye or bad circulation that damages the optic nerve. As this nerve is responsible for carrying images from the eye to the brain, it can lead to peripheral vision loss.
There are often no early symptoms of glaucoma, but later symptoms can include difficulty seeing in dim lighting or navigation issues when walking. An eye doctor can perform a comprehensive dilated exam to diagnose the issue, and you may require glaucoma surgery to drain excess fluid.
