The Top 6 Eye Conditions Due to Aging

It’s normal for vision to change with age. Some conditions are so common that they’re considered unavoidable. Others are more serious and require treatment to restore eye health. If you experience any of the following eye conditions due to aging, make an appointment with your eye doctor to discuss your options.

1. Presbyopia

Common in people over age 40, presbyopia is characterized by the inability to focus on objects at close range and is a common reason why people use bifocals or reading glasses. One possible cause is loss of flexibility in the lens of the eye. If you find the condition particularly bothersome, you may wish to have it corrected with laser eye surgery.

2. Cataracts

Gradual clouding of the lens that leads to dimming vision in one or both eyes is the main symptom of cataracts. According to the Mayo Clinic, one half of all Americans over age 65 have the condition to some extent. If left untreated, cataracts may develop to the point of near blindness. Fortunately, surgery that puts an artificial lens in place of the diseased one restores 100 percent of vision in most cases.

3. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

The National Eye Institute reports that over 2 million Americans older than 50 suffer from AMD, and the condition is the leading cause of blindness in the country. So called because it involves the degeneration of the retinal center, or the macula, AMD may be “dry” with a gradual loss of vision or “wet” with more sudden and severe symptoms. Dry AMD accounts for 90 percent of all cases.

4. Glaucoma

Glaucoma actually refers to a group of degenerative eye diseases that develop slowly with no initial symptoms. People with a family history of the disease, severe farsightedness or nearsightedness, past eye injuries or diabetes are at a higher risk for developing glaucoma. General risk increases for all people after passing age 40.

5. Eye Floaters

When fibers in the vitreous humor start to clump together, spots and lines known as floaters develop in your vision. These dark areas are the result of shadows cast on the retina by the fibrous clumps. Most floaters are nothing to worry about, but if you notice the sudden appearance of many dark spots, you should see you eye doctor to make sure that it’s not a sign of something more serious like a detached retina.

6. Dry Eye

When insufficient tears are present to keep the surface of the eye moist, symptoms of dry eye occur. This may happen because the glands responsible for tear production don’t make enough water or if tears produced evaporate too quickly due to low oil content. Nearly 50 million Americans over age 50 suffer from dry eye syndrome that results from a variety of conditions, from allergies to inflammation.

Although degenerating vision often goes hand in hand with aging, you can reduce your risk by eating well, exercising and practicing good eye care. Focusing on total wellness helps your eyes stay strong through every stage of life.

CorrectVision Laser Institute is one of Florida’s most advanced vision correction practices with extensive experience in eye health. Our goal is to open your eyes to the world of great vision by offering unparalleled expertise and the most advanced technology available. Contact us today for a consultation with one of our South Florida eye specialists, located in Hollywood, Weston and Pembroke Pines!