The aging process can lead to a number of changes that weaken your eyes and interfere with your visual abilities. For this reason, it is extremely important for older individuals to schedule routine eye exams with their eye specialist every one to two years. Explore this article for more information on common eye conditions that can develop as you age.
Cataracts
- Cataracts refer to a clouding of the corneal lens within your eye that prevents light from properly focusing along your retina. Cataracts occur when the protein within your corneal lens clumps together; as we age, these clumps can grow larger and cloud more of your corneal lens, increasing the level of vision interference. In addition to blurred vision, cataracts may cause glare around lights, poor night vision, double vision, and frequent prescription changes.
Flashes and Floaters
- Flashes and floaters are small cloud or specks that move across your field of vision. These flashes develop when the vitreous gel-like substance within the eye shrinks and detaches from the retina, forming small clumps within the eye which cast shadows along the retina. Most floaters will fade over time, but some may be permanent.
Glaucoma
- Glaucoma is a more serious eye disease characterized by damage to the retina due to an increase in ocular pressure. There are many different forms of glaucoma including open angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, and normal tension glaucoma. Unfortunately, many older individuals with glaucoma do not experience symptoms until the disease has reached much more advanced stages.
Macular Degeneration
- The most common cause of poor vision after the age of 60 is age-related macular degeneration, or a condition in which the macula—or small area at the center or the retina—begins to break down. The symptoms of macular degeneration include the loss of sharp straight-ahead vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, and the inability to focus on small details.
Don’t let the aging process increase your risk for vision problems. For more information about laser vision correction or to set up an initial eye exam, contact the Boston Laser today at (617) 566-0062.
