Vision Changes and Healthy Aging

Our eyes are remarkable organs that allow us to experience the world around us. However, your vision will undergo several natural changes as you age. These changes can be frustrating and lead to decreased freedom if managed poorly. Our optometrist at Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates in Columbia, SC, is here to tell you about common vision changes that come with aging and how you can maintain healthy eyes well into your golden years.

Common Vision Changes With Age

You are more likely to experience changes in vision as you age due to natural wear and tear on your eyes. While these are not always pressing concerns, some of the most frequent vision changes you can experience with age include:

•             Presbyopia: This condition makes focusing on near objects challenging, causing problems with reading and close-up work. Presbyopia typically begins around age 40.

•             Reduced Night Vision: Our eyes become less adaptable to low-light conditions as we age. These changes can make driving at night or navigating dimly lit environments more challenging.

•             Increased Glare Sensitivity: Older adults may experience a heightened sensitivity to bright light or glare, causing discomfort and difficulty seeing in some situations.

Maintaining Healthy Eyes

Fortunately, you can take steps to protect your eye health and maintain good vision throughout your life. Some of these steps include:

•             Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Comprehensive eye exams, including dilated pupil exams, are crucial for detecting eye diseases in their early stages. You should have a baseline eye exam by age 40. Afterward, you should have regular exams as advised by your optometrist.

•             Eat a Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help promote eye health and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

•             Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a risk factor for several eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy.

•             Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Wearing sunglasses that block UV rays can help prevent cataracts and other eye problems.

•             Quit Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts.

Prioritize Your Eye Health by Visiting Your Eye Clinic Near Me in Columbia, SC

By following these tips and scheduling regular eye exams at your eye clinic near me, you can take proactive steps towards healthy aging and maintain good vision well into your golden years. Contact Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates in Columbia, SC, at (803) 254-6306 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and receive personalized guidance on maintaining healthy vision as you age.