1. Dry Eye

After 40, expect your tear production to decline. After 65, most people deal with a burning and stinging sensation that feels like grit in their eyes. Over-the-counter drops can be beneficial for mild dry eyes. If symptoms are more severe, it’s time to consult an ophthalmologist for an eye exam and possible treatment.

2. Floaters

Those tiny squiggles, strings, and specks are typically harmless, caused by age-related gel-like fluid that fills the back of your eyes. But when they change from occasional to an increased number, it’s time to make a beeline to your eye doctor. It may be a symptom of a more serious eye condition like a detached retina.

3. Glaucoma

This eye issue is the leading cause of blindness in people over 60. It is the buildup of fluid not draining, leading to pressure and optic nerve damage. It is painless and can affect both eyes, but typically not at the same time. Early detection and treatment can avert blindness.

4. Macular Degeneration

This eye disorder attacks the macula, the center of the retina. It causes blurred or wavy vision and central vision loss. Although there is no cure, there are ways to slow down its progression and lower its risk.

5. Cataracts

Cataracts are the result of proteins breaking down in the lens. When it interferes with everyday activities, Dr. Will may recommend exchanging a clouded lens for an artificial one.

6. Diabetic Retinopathy

This condition occurs when excess glucose damages retinal blood vessels. These vessels may swell and leak blood or other fluids into the retina, causing blurred vision. Eye exams and keeping your diabetes under control is the best way to preserve your sight.

7. Detached Retina

When the retina separates from the back of the eye, the gel-like fluid at the eye center changes in texture and shrinks. The problem isn’t painful, but without treatment, the greater the risk of permanent vision loss.

8. Trichiasis

This common age-related eye condition becomes evident when the lashes rub against the cornea or conjunctiva (thin inner surface of the lids). It can cause eye irritation, redness, tearing, light sensitivity, and possible corneal abrasion. Treatment includes an in-office treatment to remove lashes.

9. Eye Strain

When your eyes get overworked or spend too much time in front of digital screens, they can become tired, itchy, achy, and dry. Driving long distances can have a similar effect. Follow the 20-20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes of watching a screen, focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

10. Blepharitis

This common condition is where the eyelid rims become inflamed. It is common with people who have skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea. It may produce swelling, burning, redness, crusty lashes, and itchy lids.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey to better vision, contact Will Vision & Laser Centers today. We’re excited to welcome you into our practice and for you to “See the Difference.”

The post 10 Warning Signs of Age-Related Eye Problems appeared first on Will Vision.

Since the advent of smartphones and tablets, researchers and eye care practitioners have wondered the same thing. Recent studies indicate it may be possible to control myopia by reducing its progression during childhood and among teens. However, at this time, there is no cure.

Nearsightedness Is Not an Eye Disease

Myopia is a refractive flaw caused by an elongated eyeball. This elliptical shape prevents light that enters the eye to not focus on the retina at the back of the eye. Instead, the light focuses on the front of the retina, causing objects to appear blurry in the distance.

Myopia Control

Finding the best treatment for myopia first requires an eye exam. Board-certified Ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Will can determine the severity of your myopia. He will suggest a clear pathway to regain clear vision from solutions as simple as wearing glasses to wavefront-guided refractive eye surgery. The earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better the patient can avoid poor eyesight at school or work.

Glasses

Glasses are the most popular solution for nearsighted patients. It allows them to see objects in the distance with clarity. For our older patients who suffer from presbyopia, glasses may be multi-focal, offering correction for reading and distance built into the same set of lenses.

However, they may cause a collection of aggravations. These include physical discomfort on the nose and ears, inconvenience when participating in physical or sporting activities, and fogging in humid conditions. Multi-focal glasses can create a fish-bowl effect that can generate dizziness, difficulty walking, or going up and down the stairs.

Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are trendy, particularly since the introduction of soft contact lenses that can correct for astigmatism. Unfortunately, many people simply cannot tolerate the insertion or wearing of contact lenses. For others who have successfully used contacts in the past, they can sometimes no longer tolerate them due to the onset of allergies or dry eye. Fortunately, those who cannot wear contact lenses are frequently ideal candidates for advanced Wavefront-Guided Bladeless Lasik.

Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK)

LASIK surgery is a popular, safe, and highly effective option for nearsightedness. Its laser is designed to reshape your cornea, permitting light entering your eye to focus correctly. With today’s advanced technology, most patients are suitable candidates for laser vision correction.

Your specific condition dictates whether surgery can provide the results you want. It’s essential to note LASIK centers that utilize older technologies cannot deliver the best results available.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Will to discuss treatment options for myopia, contact his Vancouver, Washington, Salem, or Portland, Oregon offices today. Call (877) 542-3937 or complete our online contact form.

The post Myopia: Is There A Cure for Nearsightedness? appeared first on Will Vision.