Our eyes and vision change with age. Your eye doctor can monitor these changes — some of which are a natural part of the aging process — and identify any eye conditions or diseases early enough to treat them and prevent vision loss.

Age-Related Eye Conditions and Diseases

Cataracts

If your vision is starting to get blurry, you may be developing cataracts. At first, it may lead to increased nearsightedness or even a temporary improvement in your reading vision. But with time, the lens gradually turns more densely yellow and clouds your vision. Left untreated, it can eventually lead to blindness. Luckily, cataract surgery is an extremely safe and effective treatment option.

Blepharoptosis

Blepharoptosis or ptosis is a drooping of the upper eyelid that may affect one or both eyes. Fortunately, blepharoptosis can be corrected with surgery.

Vitreous Detachment

This occurs when the gel-like vitreous fluid inside the eye begins to liquefy and pull away from the retina, causing "spots and floaters" and, sometimes, flashes of light. This occurrence is usually harmless, but can also signal the beginning of a detached retina. If you experience sudden or worsening flashes and increased floaters, see your eye doctor immediately.

Other Age-Related Changes

Presbyopia

The lens inside the eye begins to lose its ability to change shape and bring near objects into focus. Over time, presbyopia, also known as age-related farsightedness, will become more pronounced and you will eventually need reading glasses to see clearly.

Reduced Pupil Size

As we age, the muscles that control our pupil size lose some strength. This causes the pupil to become smaller and less responsive to changes in ambient lighting.

Dry Eye

Our tear glands produce fewer tears and the tears they produce have less moisturizing oils. Your eye doctor can determine whether your dry eye is age-related or due to another condition.

Loss of Peripheral Vision

Aging causes a 1-3 degree loss of peripheral vision per decade of life. While peripheral vision loss is a normal part of aging, it can also indicate the presence of a serious eye disease, like glaucoma.

If you or a loved one suffers from impaired vision, we can help. Contact Optique Family Vision Care in Springfield today.