What Adults Need to Know About Their Eyes: 3 Common Vision Concerns

What is Glaucoma? Everything You Need to Know about Adult Vision Concerns

Posted Jan 26, 2024 | Eye Health

No one likes to admit that they’re getting older. Yet, vision problems are often one of the first indications that we’re not as young as we feel. Unfortunately, many vision issues can persist for years without showing any symptoms.

Even people who’ve never needed glasses or contacts may start to experience blurry vision or other noticeable imperfections. Many of these developments, such as difficulty seeing nearby objects, are a normal part of aging and can be easily treated.

However, serious eye conditions become more likely in middle age and beyond. That’s why you must take your vision health seriously, as catching glaucoma or cataracts in the early stages can lead to more effective treatment.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, and in honor of the season, we’re looking at some of the vision issues we’re most likely to face as we grow older.

ADULT VISION PROBLEMS

Our eyes are remarkably resilient, but decades of use do take a toll. There are a variety of vision concerns that can affect adults and seniors, including:

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the general term for many eye conditions that can lead to vision loss, and even blindness, due to damage of the optic nerve¹. While the explicit cause of Glaucoma isn’t known, the condition appears to be related to high pressure in the eye.

There are several types of glaucoma, and most people won’t experience pain until the condition has become extremely dangerous. If they do experience symptoms, glaucoma might manifest as a slow loss of vision out of the corner—also known as the peripheral—of the eye. It’s important to see your eye doctor each year so they can spot any warning signs.

Optometrists have a variety of ways to screen for glaucoma, including the infamous “puff-of-air” test, wherein they launch a small shot of air into the eye to measure its fluid pressure. They may also dilate your pupils to get a better look at the optic nerve and drainage angle.

There are several treatment options your eye doctor will consider if you’re found to be suffering from glaucoma. These include eye drops, medication, laser surgery, or conventional surgery. The best course of action depends upon the particulars of your case and how you respond to treatment.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia commonly manifests itself as a challenge in focusing on close-range objects, like reading material or digital screens². This age-related condition typically emerges after the age of forty, marked by a noticeable blur in small print which becomes clear only when the text is held at a distance. It's a natural part of the aging process, affecting the eye's lens flexibility, making it hard to bend light precisely onto the retina for close vision.

Though presbyopia shares similarities with hyperopia (farsightedness) in its impact on our ability to see nearby objects clearly, the causes differ. Presbyopia stems from a gradual loss of lens elasticity, necessary for adjusting focus. In contrast, hyperopia is due to the eye's shape, causing light to focus behind the retina. Both conditions blur close vision, but their origins are distinct.

Fortunately, presbyopia can be effectively managed with the right corrective eyewear, such as glasses or contact lenses, designed to compensate for the diminished lens flexibility. These solutions enable those affected to enjoy clarity in reading and other close-up tasks, restoring sharpness to their immediate visual world

Cataracts

Perhaps no other vision condition is as closely associated with aging as cataracts. People with cataracts often complain of cloudy vision, sensitivity to light, washed-out colors, or other deteriorations in the quality of their eyesight. Cataracts are caused by a breakdown of proteins within the lens of the eye³. These substances block or scatter light on its way to the retina. The result is a muddled view of the world.

There’s good and bad news about treating cataracts. Surgery is the only viable option for clearing your vision. However, cataracts do not normally harm the eye. For this reason, some people delay surgery until the cataracts become too annoying to tolerate. This is a decision that should be made after discussing options with your eye doctor.

THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR EYE EXAMS

A recurring emphasis in our exploration of adult vision health is the critical importance of consistent eye doctor appointments. Regular, comprehensive vision exams are paramount in detecting serious eye conditions early on before they lead to irreversible harm. It's a common misconception that only those who have previously required vision correction are susceptible to eye health issues. In reality, anyone can face vision challenges as they age, making these exams crucial for all.

If it's been some time since your last detailed vision check-up, don't let your eye health take a backseat. Eyeconic offers a convenient solution to connect you with qualified eye care professionals. Ensure your vision remains sharp and your eyes are healthy by scheduling your comprehensive eye exam through Eyeconic today. Find an eye doctor today.

Information received through VSP® Vision Care's social media channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.