The risk of being diagnosed with an eye disease drastically increases as you age, hence the reason why it is so important to visit an optometrist for regular check-ups. This is true even in the case that you have had perfect 20-20 vision your entire life! The good news is that many of these diseases can be treated if caught early. Below is a breakdown of the main diseases and symptoms to look out for.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma can lead to blindness or significant vision impairment if left untreated. In fact, it is believed to be the leading cause of blindness in the United States. While there is no cure for the condition, further vision deterioration can be prevented with the help of surgery. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to tell if you are suffering from glaucoma, as there are very few symptoms. Most people only realize that there is a problem once they have already started losing their vision. Typically, vision loss begins with a person’s side vision.
You are at a greater risk of developing glaucoma if you are over 60 years old, you have a family history of glaucoma, or you are diabetic. As such, it is definitely wise to visit your optometrist for a glaucoma test regularly as you get older, just to be safe.
Cataracts
Cataracts are another condition that affects older adults. Believe it or not, there will be a 50% chance that you will have cataracts by the time you reach the age of 75, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. When you develop cataracts, the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, and this causes your vision to become blurred and hazy. Luckily, cataracts are much easier to identify than glaucoma. Symptoms include sensitivity to light, and struggling to see well at night, especially when reading or driving. Some cataracts sufferers report starting to see objects in a dusty yellow color, too. Ultimately, your risk of developing cataracts begins to increase steadily after the age of 40.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration occurs when the cells of the eye’s macula begin to weaken and break down. It is estimated that around 11 million Americans have some form of macular degeneration, and it is an eye condition that is directly associated with aging. There are generally two types of macular degeneration – wet and dry. Wet macular degeneration is the rarer of the two, accounting for around 1 in 10 cases. However, it is the more aggressive type that most often results in blindness. In some cases, dry macular degeneration transitions into wet macular degeneration if left untreated. Look out for symptoms including weaker vision, dark areas within your vision, and altered color perception.
The bottom line is that early detection is always crucial if you are to preserve your vision as you age! Considering how quickly many of these eye diseases can progress, it is recommended that you visit your optometrist at least once a year, and possibly more frequently once you reach the age of 40. As with most health-related issues, it is always better to be safe than sorry!