13
Feb

Aging is a normal and natural part of life. Not only do you gain wisdom over the years, but it is also common to experience a variety of health issues that impact daily living. The majority of people notice changes in their eyesight that get worse with time.

Even though vision changes are expected as you get older, it is important to watch for signs of eye disease so you can avoid vision loss when possible. Regular eye appointments are key so that our team can identify potential risks and keep our patients informed about how they can minimize vision problems.

Changes in Your Vision

You don’t necessarily need to have a specific eye disease to experience visual changes as you age. The aging process affects the structure of the eye, which can cause small ways that your vision is affected. Common age-related changes include:

1. Reduced Tear Production: You might find that your eyes seem dry throughout the day. Healthy tear production is important for clear vision, which is why it is important to talk to your eye doctor about eye drops or other treatment options.
2. Sensitivity: Have you discovered that your eyes are more sensitive to glare? Driving is the most common time that glare problems are experienced.
3. Seeing Close Objects: It is common to feel like you need to hold a book or other object further away so you can see. If it is difficult to focus on nearby objects, such as something in your hand, then it might be time for bifocals or reading glasses.
4. Needing More Light: The way your eyes perceive light can change. This change can be easy to accommodate by adding more lights in your home or work area.

When to Talk to an Eye Doctor

These changes start small in the beginning, but will progress with time. If you notice any other concerns, such as blurred vision, loss of vision, limited peripheral vision, etc. then it is important to visit an eye doctor right away for treatment. More serious age-related vision issues can result in a loss of vision, often cause by conditions such as retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, and more.

Maintain healthy eyes for life by working with our team for regular eye care. You are invited to schedule an exam by contacting us at our Murrieta office: (951) 600-9226, or Temecula office: (951) 302-1331.