How Do You Fix Aging Vision?

Are you having trouble reading the fine print on that medicine bottle? Are you losing focus when watching your favorite TV show? Have you noticed any other signs of aging vision?

Read on as a Marysville, WA optometrist discusses age-related vision loss and available treatment options. 

What Causes Age-Related Vision Loss?

A lot of people think that as you get older, your vision starts to go away. The truth of the matter is it’s not just one thing that causes age-related vision loss. 

Several different things can cause problems with your sight as you age. The most common causes include:

• Cataracts – cloudy areas in front of your lens
• Macular Degeneration – damage to the retina 
• Glaucoma – increased pressure in your eye
• Dry eyes – a lack of moisture
• Diabetes – causes fluid and pressure to accumulate in your inner eye

All of these conditions tend to get worse over time unless they’re treated early on.

Risk Factors

Becoming familiar with the known risk factors and understanding how they affect your eyes can equip you with the knowledge needed to take a proactive approach with your eye health. Here are a few risk factors to keep in mind:

• Age. As we age, our eyesight typically becomes less sharp and more sensitive to bright light. It’s normal for people over 40 to experience these symptoms, but you may also notice a decline in your vision if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. 
• Family history of eye disease. If one or both parents suffered from vision loss due to macular degeneration or glaucoma during their lifetime, then it’s important for you (and other family members) to be aware of any signs that may indicate the early stages of those diseases. 
• Harmful lifestyle behaviors, such as obesity, smoking, and little to no daily physical activity

Treatment Options 

The aging process is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be a problem. If you’re experiencing age-related vision loss, it’s important to know that there are treatments available to help you make the most of your eyesight.

There are a number of treatments for age-related vision loss. These include:

• Eye drops – There are several kinds of eye drops that can help improve your vision by reducing pressure inside the eye.
• Glasses – Glasses can correct refractive errors and improve your ability to see clearly with both eyes. 
• Laser surgery – This procedure involves using a laser to remove cloudy material from your cornea. 
• Corneal transplants – Corneal transplants are used to treat certain types of corneal diseases.

If you have more questions or wish to schedule a consultation, feel free to call our Marysville, WA optometry office today!