Similar to our physical strength, our eyes also exhibit an age-related declination in performance with the aging process. There are several eye disorders which develop among seniors such as cataract and presbyopia. However, these disorders can be corrected with surgery or with glasses/lenses, but some people even experience some more critical age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
Let’s discuss the disorders a human body must deal at different stages of age:
In 40’s
As we reach our 40s, most of us suffer the problem of Presbyopia (which is the difficulty with near vision focus). For combating this eye disorder, you must ensure routine eye exams at least every two years, and explore the chances of vision correction if required. In this age slot only, most people tend to report the problem of dry eyes and computer vision syndrome too. As you enter your 40s, you must keep up with a healthy diet which is high in proteins, vitamins, and nutrients, especially omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
In 50’s
As your 50s arrive, you have already exhausted your eyes with the hustle of life. Therefore, the risk of diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration (AMD) increases. Women in 50s are at risk of dry eyes after their menopause. A proper consultation with an eye doctor and routine eye exams can help in preventing the development of these eye disorders.
In 60’s
Age of 60s brings a risk of common age-related eye diseases and an inability to see or view items in low lighting. At this age, apart from regular eye checkups, it becomes crucial to have annual physical check-up of one’s body to identify any underlying conditions such as diabetes, which may further become the cause of chronic eye disease, diabetic retinopathy. People at this age must also prefer reading or writing in brighter lights. Visual disturbances such as floaters and spots are also a result of age-related changes and must be diagnosed by doctors immediately.
Above 70’s
At the age of 70 and above, most people already have developed the problem of cataracts, for which the only solution available is cataract surgery. Additionally, at this tender age, the visual fields begin to narrow down, and the color vision declines too. For resolving such issues of vulnerable eyes, you must ask your ophthalmologists to suggest any appropriate eyewear or lenses that assists in increasing contrast vision. People of such age must use extra caution while driving.
What Must be Done?
When dealing with age-related eye disorders, it’s significant to have a healthy diet and smart lifestyle choices. A lifestyle which includes consumption of nutritious food, exercises, and no smoking is considered to be the best natural defenses against age-related vision loss.
Ensure you consult a knowledgeable and caring ophthalmologist or optometrist for your regular or annual eye exams to recognize any underlying development of an eye disorder.