How Aging Affects Your Vision
Even if you had perfect vision in your teens, you may still need glasses or LASIK surgery as an adult. Your eyes and your vision change as you get older. Learn how aging affects vision below. At Will Vision and Laser Centers, we can help you protect and enhance your vision at any age.
Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, and Astigmatism
Nearsightedness and farsightedness affect about 30% of the population. These conditions often first manifest in childhood and progresses until the eye stops growing, often in the early 20s. Eye sight can continue to change during adulthood for some patients. Pregnancy often leads to vision changes, although these are usually temporary. Throughout your life, your eyes and your vision will change.
LASIK surgery is a permanent and lasting solution to nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It reshapes the eye, allowing light to properly refract and improving vision. We typically recommend that patients wait until their eyes are no longer growing before considering LASIK surgery. This procedure can be performed at any adult age, from 18 to 70s and even 80s. Come see us to find out if you’re a good candidate for LASIK surgery.
Presbyopia
If you’re in your 40s and suddenly struggling to see books, newspapers, and other small print, you may be experiencing presbyopia. Eventually, presbyopia will affect us all, perfect vision or not. As the body gets older, the lens in the eye becomes less flexible and stiffer. This leads to focusing difficulties and the need for reading glasses.
Presbyopia is inevitable, but also treatable. Traditional LASIK surgery changes the shape of the cornea and does not help with focusing difficulties or presbyopia.
Dry Eyes
Some people develop dry eyes as they get older. This condition isn’t as common as presbyopia, but does effect many aging adults. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the most common cause of dry eye in the U.S. It can affect patients at any age, although it is more common in older patients. You may have MGD if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Stinging or burning eyes
- Sandy or gritty feeling
- Redness of the eyes
- Changing vision
- Discomfort using contact lenses
- Difficulty reading or using electronic devices
- Eye fatigue
Dry eye can lead to vision loss and other complications if it isn’t properly treated. At Will Vision and Laser Centers, we offer several innovative dry eye treatments to restore comfort and health to your eyes. These treatments remove blockages from glands, improving the function of the glands that remain. This can dramatically reduce your symptoms, especially if treatment is starts early in the progression of this condition.
- LipiView and LipiFlow System from Tear Science- The LipiView and LipiFlow systems from Tear Science help us to diagnose, asses, and treat dry eye.
- MiBoFlo- A comfortable and effective treatment for MGD, MiBoFlo is a popular treatment option for dry eye. We are excited to bring this treatment to our patients.
Healthy Eyes at Any Age- How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy as You Age
Healthy eyes are worth protecting. Here are some things you can do to keep your eyes healthy at any age.
- Stop Smoking- Smoking increases your chances of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, dry eyes, and more. If you smoke, stop as soon as possible for optimal eye and overall health.
- Control Diabetes and Other Diseases- Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the eyes. If you have diabetes, work with your doctor to keep it under control. Taking care of your health is taking care of your eyes.
- Wear Sunglasses- Sun doesn’t just damage the skin. Wear sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat if possible, any time you’re outdoors.
- Eat a Healthy Diet- Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish and eye healthy.
- Address Vision Issues- As vision issues arise, get treatment. LASIK surgery is an excellent option for treating nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
We’re committed to helping you discover your best vision at any age. Call today to learn more about our treatment options for aging eyes.