Do Eye Care Needs Change After 60?

Similarly to the rest of your body, your eyes and vision will undergo several changes as you age. While these changes are a natural part of aging, they can significantly impact your daily life if left unmanaged. The good news is that proper eye care from an optometrist at Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates in Columbia, SC, can help you maintain healthy vision well into your golden years. Continue reading to understand how eye care needs change after reaching 60 years old.

Common Vision Changes After 60

You can experience several changes to your vision after reaching 60, with some of the most common changes being:

• Presbyopia: This condition makes focusing on near objects like reading materials or handheld devices challenging.
• Increased Need for Light: You may need brighter light to see clearly, especially when reading or doing close-up work.
• Changes in Color Perception: Colors may appear less vibrant or more challenging to distinguish.
• Glare Sensitivity: Glare from sunlight or artificial lights can become more bothersome.
• Increased Risk of Eye Diseases: Age-related macular degeneration and cataracts become more prevalent after 60.

Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining healthy vision after reaching 60 years of age. These exams allow your optometrist to detect and address any vision changes or potential eye diseases before they lead to significant vision loss or blindness. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the chances of preserving your vision. Contact your eye doctor immediately if you experience sudden changes in your vision, such as blurriness, flashes of light, or seeing hallows around lights.

Maintaining Healthy Vision After 60

In addition to regular eye exams, there are several things you can do to maintain healthy vision after 60. Some of the ways you can help preserve your eye and vision health include:

•             Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids

•             Maintain a healthy weight

•             Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays

•             Quit smoking

•             Use artificial tears if you experience dry eyes

•             Keep your eyeglasses and contacts up-to-date

Schedule Your Eye Exam Today at Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates

If you are over 60 and need to schedule an eye exam at an “eye clinic near me” in Columbia, SC, look no further than Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates. Our optometrist can evaluate your eyes to catch and treat vision issues early or prescribe contacts and eyeglasses to maintain visual clarity. Call us and schedule an appointment at our eye clinic today at (803) 254-6306 to keep your eyes healthy and vision strong.