September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to focus on the habits and preventive care that can help us stay healthy and independent as we get older. An important part of healthy aging is protecting something many of us rely on every day: our vision.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, one in six Americans age 65 and older has a vision impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. While some changes in vision are a normal part of aging, the risk of developing serious eye diseases also increases over time.
Understanding these risks and knowing when changes in your vision may need attention can help protect your sight for years to come.
How Does Vision Change With Age?
As we get older, changes to our eyes can make certain everyday activities more challenging. You may notice that you need brighter lighting to read, have more difficulty adjusting between light and dark environments, or experience increased glare while driving at night.
Some changes may be related to normal aging, but others can be signs of an eye condition that requires medical attention.
Eye conditions that become more common with age include:
Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy. They can cause blurry or hazy vision, faded colors, glare, halos around lights, and difficulty seeing at night.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve. Some forms can progress gradually without noticeable symptoms in their early stages, making vision loss difficult to recognize until the disease has advanced.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. It can make activities such as reading, driving, recognizing faces, and seeing fine details more difficult.
Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetes can damage blood vessels in the retina and lead to diabetic retinopathy and other eye complications. These changes may occur before a person notices significant problems with their vision.
Know the Warning Signs
Changes in vision shouldn’t automatically be dismissed as a normal part of getting older. Contact an eye care professional if you experience new or worsening symptoms such as:
- Blurry, cloudy, or distorted vision
- Increasing difficulty seeing at night
- New or worsening glare or halos around lights
- Changes in color or contrast
- A dark, blurry, or empty area in your central vision
- Loss of peripheral, or side, vision
- New flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters
- Sudden or significant changes in vision
Sudden vision loss, a curtain or shadow across your vision, or a sudden onset of flashes and numerous floaters may require urgent medical attention.
Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Sight
Healthy aging involves taking care of your whole body—and many of the same habits that support overall health can benefit your eyes.
Manage your overall health. Conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can affect the eyes. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for managing chronic conditions.
Don’t smoke. Smoking is associated with an increased risk of several serious eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
Protect your eyes from the sun. Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays, along with a wide-brimmed hat when appropriate.
Eat a balanced diet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, whole grains, and other nutrient-dense foods supports overall health, including eye health.
Prevent eye injuries. Wear appropriate protective eyewear when working on home improvement projects, doing yard work, participating in certain sports, or performing activities that could put your eyes at risk.
Pay attention to changes in your vision. Don’t assume a new vision problem is simply part of aging. If something seems different, talk with your eye care provider.
Healthy Vision Supports Healthy Aging
Good vision plays an important role in maintaining independence, mobility, and quality of life. It helps us drive safely, enjoy hobbies, recognize the people around us, and confidently navigate our surroundings.
This Healthy Aging Month, take a moment to think about your eye health and encourage the older adults in your life to do the same. Understanding the signs of age-related eye disease and responding to changes in vision can make an important difference.
At Northwest Eye Surgeons, our ophthalmologists and optometric physicians specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of a wide range of eye conditions. We are proud to work alongside community primary eye care providers to help patients protect and preserve their vision throughout every stage of life.
