Bette Milder was once quoted as saying "After thirty, a body has a mind of its own." Well after the age of 40, your eyes have a natural cycle of their own too. But a change in your vision does not have to mean a change in lifestyle, if you act in "prevent" mode and receive treatment when you notice problems. It is strongly recommended that you receive an annual eye examination beginning at the age of 40 to help identify and treat any of the following conditions:
Presbyopia
The lack of flexibility for your eye to focus quickly is the most common symptom associated with aging. Your crystalline lens within your eye naturally hardens or becomes rigid near the age of 40 in most humans (male and female), thereby preventing light from focusing clearly on your retina. This event is known as Presbyopia. While your doctor will likely prescribe the best option for correcting this problem, the most common solution is the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses for reading and close-up work such as sewing.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is caused by a progressive increase of pressure within the eye which causes irreversible damage to the optic nerve. This is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, affecting one out of every 50 people past the age of 35. Research has proven that certain family histories are more prone to developing glaucoma than others (i.e. African-American, diabetes, anemia or direct relatives that have the disease).
Glaucoma develops over time and without pain, therefore it can go unnoticed by the patient for sometime, which is why eye exams are particularly important. This eye disease can be treated if caught early enough, however once nerve damage has occurred, it cannot be repaired. There are a number of tests that your Optometrist can perform that will verify whether you have glaucoma or not.
Cataracts
The number one cause of blindness in the United States today is cataracts. This eye disease clouds the eye’s lens, which is normally clear, thereby blurring the vision. Vision impaired by cataracts will notice one or more the following symptoms:
- Gradual blurring, foggy or dimming vision
- "Halos" around lights, especially at night or
- Double vision
Macular Degeneration
When the central point of focus on the retina is damaged it’s called Macular Degeneration. Loss of color clarity and/or dark, empty areas in the center of your field of vision are the most common symptoms. Again, Macular Degeneration often comes with age and can often be unnoticed because it usually affects only one eye. As such, the good eye compensates for the affected eye. An annual eye examination will typically identify this problem.
Optical aids (eyeglasses or contact lenses) or even LASIK surgery can often treat this condition.
Dry Eye
Dry eye is caused by the shortage of tear production in the tear glands of your eyelid. Stinging, burning and scratchiness are common signs of dry eye. While dry eye is absolutely an age-related condition, medications can also contribute to dry eye. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to determine if your condition is a result of medication or age.
Many people dismiss the importance of treating dry eye, which may lead to corneal damage. The treatments available today for dry eye can be as simple as tear-replacement eye drops to dry-eye contact lenses, which prevent your eyelid from rubbing directly against the eye.
