Many older Americans do not realize they have a serious eye condition such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, cataracts, or dry eye syndrome. Some of these problems cause few or no symptoms at first, and our brains are remarkably good at adjusting to slow changes in vision. That can make it easier to miss trouble until the disease has already advanced.
That is why annual eye exams matter. A regular visit gives your eye doctor a better chance to find eye disease early, when treatment is most effective. In some cases, treatment can preserve vision and may even reduce damage that has already begun. Dry eye, while often less serious than diseases that cause blindness, is also worth discussing because it can affect comfort, reading, and daily activities.
Common eye problems that can affect vision
Cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss in the United States. They happen when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. The condition usually develops slowly, but over time you may notice glare while driving at night or have trouble reading small print on a menu or newspaper. Cataracts can be treated only with surgery, and cataract surgery is usually very successful at improving vision.
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age American adults. It happens when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina. In the early stages, it can often be managed with healthy lifestyle changes, including controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Glaucoma. More than 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but many do not know it. This disease damages the optic nerve. At first, one eye may lose some peripheral vision, while the other eye compensates, so the change may go unnoticed. If glaucoma is found early, it can often be treated successfully and may prevent major vision loss.
Age-related macular degeneration. Age is the biggest risk factor for age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. This progressive disease damages the macula, the part of the eye that controls sharp central vision. The macula is important for recognizing faces, driving, cooking, and many other daily tasks. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 50 and the leading cause of blindness in adults 65 and older. Early detection is key.
Dry eye syndrome is common as we age. It can cause burning, redness, a gritty feeling, watering, blurred vision, or trouble reading comfortably. In more severe cases, it can damage the surface of the eye and interfere with daily life. Fortunately, dry eye can often be treated once the cause is identified.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, of the estimated 61 million U.S. adults at high risk for vision loss, only about half saw an eye doctor in the past 12 months. Regular eye care can make a life-changing difference in protecting sight.
Do not wait for your next scheduled exam if you notice any of the following:
- Decreased vision.
- Redness or drainage from the eye.
- Eye pain.
- Double vision.
- Floaters, or tiny specks that seem to drift across your vision.
- Halos around lights.
- Flashes of light.
- Ongoing dryness, burning, or a gritty feeling in the eyes.
Aging is unavoidable, but some types of vision loss are not. Research continues to show links between eye disease and risk factors such as smoking, ultraviolet light exposure, and preventable injury. Good overall health habits can support eye health, including a diet rich in antioxidants, regular exercise, and control of blood sugar, cholesterol, weight, and blood pressure.
If it has been more than a year since your last eye exam, schedule one with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. It is an important step toward protecting your sight.