Which Eye Diseases Are More Common With Age?

As you may have noticed, health concerns change with age. While many people have excellent vision for most of their years, this can change with age and changes in life. In fact, this is a time period in which you might notice other eye issues.

These are some of the most common eye diseases that could come with age. These are a few eye diseases you may want to discuss with your optometrist.

Presbyopia

This is a common vision condition that occurs when the eye's lens becomes less flexible, making it difficult to focus on close objects. Most people will eventually need reading glasses or bifocals to correct their vision.

Diabetic Retinopathy

If you have diabetes, it's important to keep your blood sugar levels in check. When blood sugar levels are high, it can damage the blood vessels in your retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition that can cause blindness.

Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens. Cataracts are common in older adults, and they can cause vision problems such as blurriness. Surgery is usually needed to remove cataracts.

Floaters

Floaters are small specks or strings that float in your field of vision. They're usually harmless, but if you suddenly see a lot of floaters, it could be a sign of a detached retina, which is a serious condition.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that can damage the optic nerve. Glaucoma can lead to vision loss or blindness. It's important to get regular eye exams so glaucoma can be detected early.

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a serious condition that occurs after the retina becomes removed from its usual position at the back of the eye. This can cause vision loss or blindness. If you have symptoms of a retinal detachment, you should see an eye doctor right away.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the central part of the retina. AMD can cause vision loss and blindness. There is no cure for AMD, but there are treatments that can slow the progression of the disease.

Contact Your Eye Doctor if You Have Symptoms

If you have any symptoms of these eye diseases, it's important to see an eye doctor right away. Many eye diseases can be treated if they're detected early. It's also important to get regular eye exams, even if you don't have symptoms, for the benefit of early eye disease detection.

For more information, reach out to a vision care center.


Share