Age-related vision problems can happen so gradually that most people don’t even realize something is wrong with their eyes. That’s why it is important to know how to take care of your eyes. Start a good eyecare regimen as early as possible, so you can catch any eye problems in good time and keep them from getting worse.
3 things to keep an eye on
It’s not always easy to admit or accept that something might be wrong with your eyes just because you’re growing older. But it is important to know how to keep your eyes healthy.
Here are 3 significant signs that something is off with your eyes.
- You blame the print
“At these prices, you’d think they’d print the menus better!” If you catch yourself saying this, schedule an eye appointment at the earliest.
Presbyopia, or not being able to see things up close, is one of the most common eye problems that occur with age. According to experts, 9 out of 10 adults over the age of 45 have some degree of presbyopia.
When looking at things up close, like reading a book or threading a sewing needle, the lens inside your eye needs to curve to a rounder shape. Presbyopia happens because the lens has become too stiff to curve as needed.
- You tear up for no reason
Epiphora is a condition in which eyes water too much, or the tears don’t drain properly. It can happen in one eye, or in both eyes, and it is very common among older adults. The American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates that 1 in 7 adults develop epiphora in middle age.
As well as allergies and blocked tear ducts, epiphora can be caused by the natural sagging of skin.
Your eyelids are shaped in a particular way to guide tears toward drainage ducts in the inside corners of the eyes.
With age, eyelids lose their elasticity and start to droop. Instead of channeling tears to the drainage ducts, the lower eyelids begin to collect the fluid until they can’t hold any more, and the tears start spilling down your cheeks.
- You’re seeing too many floaters
Floaters are those annoying specks or strings of dark matter that float across your eye. They form when collagen in the jelly-like vitreous layer of the eyes starts clumping up.
Most of us start getting floaters between the ages of 50 and 70, but they can happen earlier, too. Having floaters may make you feel as if you’re looking through a dirty window, or are seeing drizzling rain even though the skies are clear.
Floaters are generally harmless, but they may be a sign of more serious issues, like a tear in the retina. The retina is a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eyeball. It captures light and signals the brain to convert the light into an image. A torn retina prevents you from seeing properly.
Aging can cause the vitreous layer in the eyes to shrink and pull away. This leads to tears, and the problem is most prevalent among people aged 50 years and above.
Near, Far, Wherever You Are
Most of us are familiar with the terms nearsighted and farsighted. Nearsighted means you can see things that are close, and need glasses to see things in the distance, such as the television, or to drive, or to look at the stars.
Farsighted means you can see things that are far away in the distance quite well, but not things that are up close. If you are farsighted, you will need glasses to read, sew, or use your phone.
What a lot of us may not know is that there is a third level of eyesight: midsight. This means you may be able to see near or far well enough, but may have trouble seeing things that are usually about 18-25 inches away, such as a computer monitor screen.
Caring for aging eyes
As with any other health condition, preventative care can slow down and sometimes even prevent long-term complications for your eyes. Making simple changes to your routine and to your surroundings may also help.
Here are 3 ways to start taking care of your eyes today.
- Get annual eye exams
Even if you think your vision is fine, you should schedule an eye exam every year, because eyes are windows not only to the soul, but also to your overall health.
An ophthalmologist examining your eyes may be able to find clues that point to underlying illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or even a potential stroke.
These clues show up in the form of damaged blood vessels, specks of blood in the retina, spots of pigmentation, weak muscle function, and swollen tissue.
Your ophthalmologist may prescribe reading glasses to correct presbyopia. For epiphora, your eye doctor may prescribe medication, or even surgery if your eyelids sag too much. Additionally, they may also want you to get screened for possible illnesses.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule
If you spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen, or on your phone, or reading, or doing an activity like sewing, you should make the 20-20-20 rule an integral part of your routine.
It’s a very simple rule. Every 20 minutes, look away at an object that is at a distance of at least 20 feet. Focus your eyes on it for 20 seconds. This is the minimum amount of time your eyes need to completely relax.
If you keep forgetting to take a break, set a timer to remind yourself. Soon, especially when you notice how much more productive you are because your eyes don’t hurt and your head doesn’t ache, the 20-20-20 rule may become a habit.
- Play with the lights
Some people love the clarity of a cool white light. Others prefer warmer, more yellow tones. Experts continue to debate which light is better, but what really matters is that your living space should be bright enough for you to see clearly without straining your eyes, yet soft enough to prevent glare.
Experiment with different strengths and tones to find out which light works best for you. While you’re at it, lower the brightness of your screen devices in dimly lit spaces or at night. If your phone or the app you’re using has a ‘night mode’, turn it on.
Eyesight in your senior years
Losing your eyesight can be devastating at any age, more so if you’re already struggling with leading an independent life in your senior years.
Never dismiss any changes in your vision, or any trouble with your eyes, no matter how small. Speak to our skilled doctors at a clinic near you, and they will help you know how to protect your eyes and take proper care of them.