Eye Care Guide for Adults

Age brings all sorts of health concerns, from the functional need for more frequent and extensive exams to the aesthetic need for body sculpting to keep the body looking young and fit. Amid this increasing jumble of concerns, we must be careful not to overlook eye care as we become mature adults. Vision is considered by many to be the most indispensable of our senses, and should thus be diligently maintained. Please take a moment to learn more about how you can ensure long-lasting visual health as you grow older.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams for Adults

Even for people who have enjoyed perfect vision and eye health their whole lives, the risk of major complications increases with age. Regular eye exams can help detect these problems before they cause permanent damage so that proper eye care can be performed. Adults, especially those over 40, are therefore encouraged to set up routine checkups on at least a yearly basis, if not twice yearly. Oftentimes, serious eye diseases can develop and begin to cause long-term damage before the patient is even aware that a problem exists. Please keep this from happening to you by taking the eye care precautions recommended for adults by specialists nationwide.

Age-related Vision Conditions

As we get older, eye tissue tends to break down and lose its elasticity. The result can be clouded, dim vision that prevents us from doing the things we did when we were younger. Without the help of eye care designed for adults, this gradual degradation of eye tissue causes loss of vision and makes the eyes more susceptible to major malfunctions. Below are some of the more common eye disorders that are more likely to occur in adulthood.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia affects most people in their 40s, even those with no history of vision problems. At some point, nearly everyone begins to notice blurry vision when looking at things close up, as when reading, using the computer, or sewing. The cause is not an improperly shaped eye, as it is with people who are farsighted their whole lives, but rather a stiffening of the eye lens that comes with age. A number of presbyopia treatments exist, from specialized eyeglasses and contact lenses to modified LASIK surgeries.

Cataracts

Have you ever tried to drive a car with a fogged-up windshield? It’s not very easy. Living with cataracts can be similarly frustrating: proteins in the eye lens break down with age, blocking light from reaching the retina and creating foggy or blurry vision. If left untreated, cataracts can even cause blindness. Fortunately, cataract removal is possible with advanced surgical procedures and artificial lenses. Regular checkups for the appearance of cataracts are a crucial part of routine eye care for adults.

Macular Degeneration

While most age-related vision problems manifest themselves as a general sort of blurriness or cloudiness, macular degeneration often produces a very distinctive pattern of vision loss and distortion. The image at the very center of the vision becomes blank, and shapes around it become twisted. Many people first notice this condition when looking at their mini blinds, as closely spaced parallel lines tend to make the problem more apparent. The causes of macular degeneration vary, but the disease can be addressed with medication, surgery, and other treatments designed specifically for macular degeneration.

Glaucoma

There are many different types of glaucoma, but they all have some things in common: they involve a blockage of the normal flow of fluid through the eyes, and they can cause permanent damage to the eyes. Extreme pain and dizziness can also occur in extreme cases. Because glaucoma signs and symptoms are not usually very noticeable in early stages of the disease, checkups by a specialist are necessary in order to prevent long-term consequences. Accurate glaucoma diagnosis can only be accomplished by a trained specialist and is an important part of eye care for adults.

Dry Eyes

Dry eye syndrome is sometimes more of a symptom than a disease in and of itself, as it can be caused by a number of different root problems. Still, many patients suffering from this irritating condition — characterized by dry, itchy, red eyes that worsen as the day goes by — suffer from nothing more serious than a decline in tear production. Age causes the tear ducts to become less active, depriving the eyes of the moisture they need to stay healthy. Patients can take heart, though, in the dry eye treatments available to restore the eyes to function and comfort.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes is a terrible disease, and its reach can extend even to the eyes. Diabetic retinopathy, of which macular edema is a type, is a condition wherein blood vessels in the retina become weak and break, releasing blood into the fluid of the eye. This blood forms clots and “floaters” that then obstruct the vision as dark spots in the patient’s field of view. All people suffering from diabetes are at risk for this problem. With proper eye care, adults who develop the condition can experience improved vision, though, so it is crucial for diabetics to see a specialist for diabetic retinopathy diagnosis on a regular basis.

Schedule an Eye Exam with a Specialist in Your Area

Don’t risk your long-term vision health by neglecting routine eye care. All adults, healthy or otherwise, are encouraged to contact a local ophthalmologist today to ensure long-lasting clarity of sight.