As we age, our eyes go through significant changes that can gradually affect vision. Because of this, staying proactive about eye health becomes even more important. By detecting and managing age-related conditions early, we can help preserve long-term vision. Below are some of the most common vision problems linked to aging, along with key warning signs to look out for.
Common Age-Related Vision Problems
1. Cataracts
A cataract occurs when the eye’s clear lens becomes cloudy, affecting one or both eyes. While often age-related, it can also develop in younger individuals or be present at birth. Cataracts are among the most common eye conditions affecting older Australians.
Signs of Cataracts: Cloudy or blurry vision, sensitivity to glare or bright lights, and difficulty seeing at night.
2. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, gradually leading to vision loss. An estimated 300,000 Australians have glaucoma, yet over 50% remain undiagnosed.
Signs of Glaucoma: Gradual loss of peripheral vision (key indicator), blurred vision, difficulty adjusting to low light and night blindness, and increased sensitivity to light and glare.
3. Age-related Macular Degeneration
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition that develops due to changes in the retina at the back of the eye. As a result, it gradually affects central vision, making everyday tasks more challenging. In fact, AMD impacts 1 in 7 Australians over 50 and remains the leading cause of vision loss in this age group. Therefore, early detection and proactive eye care are essential for maintaining long-term vision health.2.
Signs of Macular Degeneration: Gradual or sudden decline in seeing objects clearly, blurred or distorted central vision, dimming of colour vision, and difficulty reading that is not improved with new glasses.
4. Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a common age-related condition where the eye’s lens gradually loses flexibility, making it harder to focus on nearby objects. Typically, people begin noticing its effects between the ages of 40 and 50.
Signs of Presbyopia: Difficulty focusing on close objects, such as reading text and needing to move objects at arm’s length to see them clearly.
Protecting Your Vision as You Age
To maintain healthy vision and prevent or slow down age-related vision problems:
- Schedule regular eye exams: Regular check-ups can help detect problems early and ensure proper treatment and intervention is provided. Optometry Australia recommends individuals to have their eyes tested every one to two years to maintain good vision for life3.
- Understand your family’s eye health history: Understanding your family’s eye health history can help your optometrist or ophthalmologist determine a pattern of common disorders and advise you on lifestyle changes or actions that you can take to prevent or delay the onset of generic medical disorders.
- Protect your eyes from UV light: Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays when outdoors with UV-protected sunglasses and glasses.
- Incorporate a vision-friendly diet: Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids (leafy green vegetables, nuts and fish) can help maintain eye health.
- Prevent digital eye strain: Incorporate breaks into your routine to rest your eyes and prevent eye strain during extended screen use. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
Eye Philosophy’s Commitment to Eye Health
At Eye Philosophy, we educate our community about age-related vision conditions and provide early detection, management, and treatment. Our expert optometrists work closely with ophthalmologists to prioritize prevention over cure. With bulk-billed comprehensive eye exams, we ensure everyone gets the care they need, exactly when they need it.
Book a bulk-billed eye exam today!
1 Glaucoma Australia, 2024 Glaucoma Australia Urges Greater Adherence to Eye Checks and Treatment
2 Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, 2022 Preventing age-related vision loss
3 Optometry Australia, 2022 Vision Index
For other reference, you may read this article: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/common-age-related-eye-problems