Keep Your Sight Sharp at each Age

Irvine Optometrist

Just like the remainder of our bodies, our eyes have different needs as we get older. That’s why it’s important to know which vision changes are a normal part of aging, when something more serious might require the attention of an optometrist. Find out what to expect of one's eyes in every era, discover proactive steps to preserve your healthy sight, and learn which corrective measures can help you see clearly and function best, whatever your age!

20s and 30s

What to anticipate
Generally speaking, adults in their 20s and 30s have healthy eyes and will effectively treat vision problems with corrective eyeglasses, contacts, or refractive surgery (when the vision is stable). Remember, it’s never too soon to start preserving your eye health! With this stage of life, prevention is essential.

Irvine Optometry

TAKE ACTION

 Be sure to protect your healthy eyes from harmful everyday elements, like cigarettes and UV rays, which could increase your risk of age-related macular degeneration in the future.
 Be aware of occupational hazards, like extended stays in front of computer monitors, resulted in eyestrain and computer vision syndrome
 Schedule an annual eye exam and also hardwearing . prescriptions up-to-date and avoid any long-term damage.

40s

What you should expect
While preventative measures are vital to maintaining healthy eyes, vision changes are a natural part of the process of aging. Presbyopia, a decline in you skill to focus due to the hardening in the lenses in your eyes, may become more noticeable in your 40s, making it more difficult to see while reading or doing close work.

TAKE ACTION

 In its earliest stages, merely adjusting the length between your eyes plus your reading material could help compensate for the effects of presbyopia.
 When adjusting your viewing range is no longer an option, corrective lenses, such as reading glasses or multifocal disposable lenses, will be your best alternatives to help you see more clearly.

50s

What to prepare for
As we age, the risk of getting a number of age-related eye diseases-such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration - raises.

TAKE ACTION

 Monitor your vision and find out your eye doctor when you notice any major vision changes.
 Have the eyes checked after other major health changes, such as a hypertension or diabetes diagnosis.
 While there is no cure for macular degeneration, healthy habits like taking multivitamins and eating meals rich in lutein and antioxidants can help slow the process down.

60s and beyond

WHAT TO EXPECT
While cataracts are technically classified as an age-related eye disease, the trouble is so common among older individuals, that they’re considered an average part of the aging process. This impairment from the lens is caused by tiny clumps of protein molecules, which block light and dim your eyesight.

TAKE ACTION

 If cataracts start to impair your everyday activities, cataract surgery, in which your natural lens is substituted for an artificial lens, is often a safe and effective way to reinstate your vision.
 Visit your optometrist at least once a year for a comprehensive eye exam and also to screen for common age-related eye diseases.

Whatever your age, always monitor how well you see changes, make healthy lifestyle and dietary choices, and find out your eye doctor for yearly eye exams and also hardwearing . eyes healthy for many years!