Handy Tips to Overcome 4 Common Age-Related Vision Challenges

As we age, it’s natural for our bodies to change, and our vision is no exception. Vision challenges often become more noticeable over time, making everyday tasks like reading, driving, and working more difficult. While these issues can be frustrating, many age-related vision problems are manageable with the right approach. Understanding these challenges and taking proactive steps can help maintain clear vision and improve overall quality of life.

Presbyopia

One of the most common vision challenges experienced after the age of 40 is presbyopia. This condition makes it harder to focus on close objects, such as reading a book or using a smartphone, due to the hardening of the eye’s lens. Chances are, you will experience some form of this condition at some point as you age, so take note of these helpful solutions:

• Reading glasses – sometimes, a little magnification can go a long way in correcting this problem. These glasses can be worn when necessary and can be prescribed by an eye doctor or even purchased over the counter
• Bifocals or trifocals – For those already wearing glasses or contact lenses, bifocals, trifocals, or progressive lenses can help. These lenses have multiple focal points, allowing you to see clearly at both near and far distances.
• Surgical options – Procedures like LASIK or conductive keratoplasty can provide a more permanent solution.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. It is often caused by increased pressure within the eye.  Glaucoma can occur at any age but it is one of the vision challenges that is more common in older adults. It is also one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60. Because vision loss from glaucoma is often gradual and symptoms can vary greatly, certain precautions should be taken:

• Regular vision exams – Early detection is essential for the best treatment success. Therefore, regular visits to our office can help detect the problem quickly, and slow or even prevent vision loss from occurring.
• Prescription eye drops – If high eye pressure is detected, glaucoma eye drops can reduce the risk that it will progress to glaucoma.
• Lifestyle changes – Regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy diet can help reduce your risk of developing glaucoma.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD affects the central part of the retina, known as the macula, leading to blurred or distorted central vision. While peripheral vision usually remains intact, activities like reading, recognizing faces, and driving can become difficult. This is another one of the vision challenges that can show little to no symptoms in the early stages, so regular vision exams are very important to detect the condition as early as possible. Once diagnosed, there are some ways to help manage it:

• Lifestyle changes – A healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can help slow the progression of AMD.
• Nutritional supplements – Some studies show that certain vitamins (C, E, zinc, and beta-carotene) can slow the progression of AMD.
• Injections and laser treatments – anti-VEGF drugs that get injected into the eye, as well as therapy that combines injections with these medications can help stop further vision loss.

Cataracts

Cataracts are another common vision challenge that typically begin to develop around the age of 60 or older. The lens of the eye becomes cloudy, which can result in blurry vision, light sensitivity, glare and difficulty seeing at night. There is, fortunately, a way to treat cataracts:

• Surgery – Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries in the U.S. and is the only way to remove cataracts and restore your clear vision. During this procedure, the clouded natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens that permanently stays in the eye.

Protect your Vision and Overcome Vision Challenges with Family Vision Development Center

One of the main takeaways here is that early detection can make a significant difference in treatment for many common vision challenges. When your care is handled by the Family Vision team, we help to ensure your healthy vision at all stages. Regular vision exams help us detect and monitor the progression of many conditions, implementing the appropriate treatment options as quickly as possible in order to see the best results. Additionally, we help our patients manage their vision conditions by prescribing the right medications, or making suggestions for ways to improve daily vision needs, such as with low vision aids, protective eyewear or lifestyle enhancements. Schedule your appointment by calling our Aurora office at 630-862-2020.

Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.