Visual changes are part of aging. In fact, your risk of developing certain eye conditions increases over time. Today, Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry, your local provider of low vision therapy and other eye care treatments, talks about common vision problems you may have to deal with during your older years.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Although dry eye syndrome may affect anyone at any age, it’s more common during later adulthood. Hormonal changes that occur as you age may compromise the quality of your tears, causing them to quickly evaporate. Drinking plenty of water daily and applying artificial tears regularly are reliable solutions.
Presbyopia
Another common age-related vision problem is presbyopia. This is a refractive error that develops when your natural lenses lose their elasticity as a product of the aging process. We may prescribe multi-prescription eyeglasses for your improved viewing ease at varying distances.
Cataracts
Your eyes’ natural lenses are mostly made of water and protein. As you grow older, the protein in your body undergoes rapid breakdown processes. This may result in protein fragments settling on your lenses’ surface, leading to cloudy vision. Cataracts that cause significant visual restrictions that limit the ability to do daily activities may need to be surgically removed.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration occurs when the macula, the small focal point of the retina, deteriorates over time. This may significantly compromise your central vision. You may see dark and blurry areas within your field of vision. Distorted images are also common. While this is considered an incurable condition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and visiting your eye doctor regularly can slow down its progression.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is common among individuals 40 years of age and older. It happens when the fluids inside your eyes fail to drain completely, leading to their buildup. As volume increases, pressure rises as well. The increased intraocular pressure may compress or even damage your optic nerve. Without immediate treatment, you may experience changes to your vision or worse, blindness.
For more information about age-related eye conditions, get in touch with us at (703) 467-9080 in Reston. You may also complete our contact form to request an appointment. We serve Virginia residents in Reston and the surrounding communities.