As you grow older, your body undergoes numerous changes, and your eyes are no exception. While some vision changes are normal with age, others may signal more serious issues that need medical attention. Sadly, many people don’t realise they’re developing eye problems until their vision is already affected.
Regular eye check-ups can help catch these problems early. In this blog, we will explore five age-related eye problems you should be aware of.
Five Common Age-Related Eye Problems
- Cataracts
Cataracts form when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy over time. This usually happens slowly, so you might not notice it at first. But eventually, it can make your vision blurry, dull, or dim.
Cataracts are very common as people age, especially after the age of 60. The good news is that cataracts can be treated with surgery, where the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear artificial one. If you suspect cataracts, visit the best Eye Hospital in Pune or the city you reside in.
- Glaucoma
Glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight.” That’s because it usually doesn’t cause pain or symptoms early on, but it can damage your vision permanently.
Inside your eye, there’s a fluid called aqueous humour that helps keep the eye healthy. When this fluid doesn’t drain properly, it can lead to increased pressure in the eye, which harms the optic nerve—the part of your eye that sends messages to your brain.
There are two main types of glaucoma:
- Open-angle glaucoma: The fluid drains too slowly, causing a gradual increase in pressure.
- Closed-angle glaucoma: The drainage is suddenly blocked, causing a rapid rise in pressure and potential vision loss.
If caught early, glaucoma can often be managed with medication or surgery. That’s why regular eye exams are so important.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Your retina is the light-sensitive part at the back of your eye, and the macula is the central part of it that helps you see fine details. As you age, the macula can break down—a condition called age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
People with AMD may find it hard to read, recognise faces, or drive because they lose their central vision while their side (peripheral) vision stays normal. This condition doesn’t usually cause total blindness but can severely affect your ability to do everyday tasks.
Although there’s no cure, special supplements and certain treatments may slow the progression of AMD, especially if it’s caught early.
- Diabetic Retinopathy
If you have diabetes, your eyes can also be at risk. High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in your retina, leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy.
At first, diabetic retinopathy may not show any symptoms. But over time, it can cause vision problems like blurriness, floaters, or even blindness if not treated. It’s one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults.
Managing diabetes well and getting regular eye exams can help prevent or slow down this condition.
- Presbyopia (Age-Related Farsightedness)
After age 40, you might notice it’s harder to read small print or see things up close, like your phone or a book. This is a common condition called presbyopia, and it happens because the lens in your eye becomes less flexible with age.
Luckily, presbyopia is easy to manage with reading glasses, bifocals, or contact lenses. In some cases, vision correction surgery might also be an option. You can visit the best eye doctors in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, or the city you reside in.
Final Thoughts
Getting older doesn’t mean you have to lose your vision. Many age-related eye problems can be managed, if caught early. Regular eye exams, a healthy lifestyle, and managing conditions like diabetes can go a long way in keeping your eyes healthy for years to come.
If you or a loved one start experiencing blurry vision, floaters, or trouble seeing at night, don’t ignore it. Talk to an eye care specialist. A little attention now can help you see clearly for the future.
