Looking at Various Eyesight Problems Related to Aging

Everything changes in the human body as it ages, including eyesight. Advancing through the years means that difficulty seeing colors or adjusting to small texts or objects is becoming more likely. While many of the elderly are able to live their lives despite such changes, it is worth noting that sharpness of vision begins to decline when age-related eye problems begin to manifest.

This article takes a close look at some of the various age-related eyesight problems.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

This eye problem refers to the deterioration of the macula, or the oval-shaped pigmented part found near the center of the retina. It is responsible for providing a 20/20 vision. It occurs when a person’s perception of color changes and dark, blurred patches appear in the center of vision. A visit to an optometrist can help detect this issue early.

Cataract

This condition pertains to the slow development of protein clumps in the eye, preventing the lens from sending images to the retina. Symptoms include loss of color vision and halo-like vision when looking at sources of light. Surgery is often recommended to treat this ailment, in which an intraocular lens is fitted to the eye to replace the cloudy lens.

Presbyopia

Aging can reduce the elasticity of the eyes’ lenses. This is what causes presbyopia or a condition that makes it hard for aging individuals to see small objects or texts clearly. It often comes with other symptoms like headaches, visual fatigue and eye strain. Prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses can help people with presbyopia.

Dry Eyes

Advancing age is a risk factor for the lack of tears in the eye. This results in dry eye syndrome, a condition that is common in people age 50 years or older. Symptoms include redness and irritation. Treatment options include prescription dry eye medications and surgical procedures like punctal plugs.

Eyes on Norbeck is your partner in ensuring healthy vision for years to come. We provide a wide variety of eye care services, including prescribing corrective eyewear and conducting a computer vision exam. Give us a call at (301) 241-0553 for more information. You may also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve residents of Rockville, MD.