How the Eyes Change as We Age
Life is full of changes, and that includes your vision. As you age, your vision will change. Here’s what to expect through the years. Whatever age you are, Will Vision and Laser Centers is here and ready to use LASIK and other vision surgeries to keep your eyesight at its best.
Vision Changes in Your 20s and 30s
Vision is often at its best in your 20s and 30s, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Many people have natural variations in the shape of their corneas that can cause nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. These vision changes can be corrected with LASIK surgery, a refractive procedure that changes the cornea’s shape to improve vision. LASIK surgery offers long-lasting results and can eliminate the need for glasses or contacts for many patients.
While most people have fairly stable vision in their 20s and 30s, some changes are perfectly normal. One of the biggest causes of vision changes for patients in their 20s and 30s is pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones can temporarily change vision. These changes will usually resolve after pregnancy and breastfeeding are complete.
Vision Changes in Your 40s
Presbyopia is one of the most prominent causes of age-related vision changes. Presbyopia occurs when the eye’s lens becomes less flexible and reduces the eye’s ability to focus. Presbyopia happens to everyone eventually, usually becoming obvious by the mid-40s.
Common signs of presbyopia include the need to hold books or magazines at a further distance from the eye to see clearly. This condition is progressive and will gradually worsen. Reading glasses are one way to correct age-related vision changes. Lifestyle LASIK or an implanted corneal inlay are surgical options to restore vision after presbyopia.
Vision Changes in Your 50s
Presbyopia will worsen during your 50s, and vision changes become more pronounced—your risks for eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration all increase. Regularly seeing your eye doctor is vital to monitor your vision and catch any concerning changes early while they are most treatable.
Some women experience dry eye symptoms after menopause. Dry eyes are also treatable with professional help.
Vision Changes in Your 60s, 70s, and 80s
As you age, the risk of eye problems continually increases. Other health conditions you have, like diabetes or high blood pressure, may impact your vision and change your eyesight. Regularly visiting your eye doctor and primary care physician is essential to maintain your vision and your health.
One common vision change in the 60s and 70s is a decreased ability to see in low light conditions. You may need to use brighter lighting for reading and other activities. Give your eyes more time to adjust to changing light conditions.
Eye problems like cataracts may develop, but they are treatable. Taking care of your vision will require a proactive approach to stay on top of developing changes.
Will Vision and Laser Centers is here to help you maintain your vision for a lifetime. Contact us to schedule your first visit to our practice: (877) 542-3937.