Your vision naturally changes as you age, but not all changes are harmless. Some are normal for getting older, while others may signal a more serious condition.
If you're concerned about your vision, Nicanor Lacsina, OD, and Yelena Pinkhasova, OD, encourage you to schedule a comprehensive eye exam, which is the first step to getting treatment.
In the meantime, keep reading to learn about what’s normal (and what’s not!) as you age, courtesy of the Bainbridge Eye Care team.
You may start noticing small shifts in your vision as you get older. Common changes include:
Are you struggling to read small print or focus on close-up objects? This issue happens as the lens of your eye becomes less flexible — officially called presbyopia — and it’s a common reason for needing reading glasses after age 40.
Prescription glasses can correct presbyopia.
As you age, your pupils don’t dilate as effectively, which can reduce the amount of light that reaches your retina.
Not only does this make seeing in dimly lit rooms difficult, but it can also impact nighttime driving. Give us a call if your vision impacts your ability to drive safely.
Bright sunlight or headlights may cause more discomfort as your eye’s lens becomes less clear, scattering light instead of focusing it.
Colors may appear duller or have a yellowish tint due to changes in your eye’s lens. You may also have difficulty distinguishing between colors like black and navy blue, which is called reduced contrast sensitivity.
Even though these changes are typical, it doesn’t mean you have to power through them. Dr. Lacsina or Dr. Pinkhasova can examine your eyes for signs of eye diseases and recommend prescription glasses or other options (such as anti-glare glasses) to help manage these age-related issues.
Not all vision changes are normal. Some could be signs of severe eye conditions that require more swift medical attention:
A stroke can cause a sudden loss or blurring of vision, retinal detachment, or macular degeneration. Treatment depends on the cause and may include emergency medical care, laser surgery, or medication to prevent further damage.
These can result from typical aging changes in the vitreous gel of your eye but may also indicate retinal detachment or a tear. If they appear suddenly or increase dramatically, Dr. Lacsina or Dr. Pinkhasova may use laser treatment or surgery to repair the retina.
Note: some people see flashes of light (aura) before migraines. This type of flashing light isn’t associated with retinal detachment.
Cataracts, dry eye syndrome, or corneal diseases can cause a foggy or blurred view. Your treatment options range from prescription eye drops and anti-inflammatory medications to cataract surgery if your vision is significantly impaired.
Loss of peripheral vision is often a sign of glaucoma, optic nerve damage, or a retinal issue. Treatment may involve prescription eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery to reduce eye pressure and prevent further vision loss.
If you experience any vision changes — even if they seem minor — there’s no need to brush them off.
Dr. Lacsina or Dr. Pinkhasova can confirm the root cause of your vision changes and whether or not it’s a harmless change — or something that requires more immediate treatment. They may also dilate your pupils to examine the retina and optic nerve for a more thorough evaluation.
Preventive care is one of the best ways to care for your eyes as you age. Schedule regular eye exams in our Bronx, New York office to catch issues early.
In addition to routine eye care, keep these tips in mind:
If you’re due for an exam, call 718-306-9127 or request an appointment online today.
