Your body changes as you age, and your eyes are no exception. Aging adults are often more at risk for vision and eye health issues. Routine eye exams can detect these issues, so you can address them quickly. The following are some of the most common eye health problems that older adults experience. 

Age-Related Vision Changes to Watch For

1. Cataracts

A cataract is a cloudy area that forms over your eye’s lens. More than half of Americans over 80 either have cataracts or have had surgery for it. The symptoms of cataracts include blurry or cloudy vision, faded colors, difficulty seeing at night, halos around lights, and double vision. If not addressed, cataracts can cause vision loss. Attend your routine eye exams and tell your eye doctor if you have any changes to your vision.

2. Presbyopia

As you age, you may notice that it’s more difficult to read the newspaper in the morning or see the text on your smartphone. The difficulty of seeing close objects is called presbyopia and is common among people over 40. You may need to squint when reading close up or get a headache or tired eyes when reading. Your eye doctor can check your vision and prescribe reading glasses to correct this issue.  

3. Dry Eye

Your body will likely produce fewer tears as you age, so you might notice that your eyes often feel dry. Symptoms of dry eye include itching, burning, and redness. Some people may even experience partial vision loss. Talk to your eye doctor about your discomfort, as they can prescribe or recommend artificial tears to help moisten your eyes. They will also check your tear ducts and recommend treatment, such as surgery, if the ducts aren’t working properly. 

While routine eye exams are essential as you age, the team at Staarmann Family Vision Center is proud to treat patients of all ages. Located in Fairfield, OH, this team of doctors offers a wide range of eye care solutions. Whether you need to have your prescription checked or be tested for glaucoma, these professionals will ensure you are receiving the right tests and treatment for your health needs. They also offer orthoptic treatments and surgery consultations, accepting most insurance plans to keep their services affordable. You can visit them online to view a full list of their services, or call (513) 874-1718 to schedule an appointment.