How Your Vision Changes As You Age

Are you experiencing some age-related vision changes? A visit to our Calgary eye clinic can help restore the comfort and health to your eyes.

Overview

Age can bring about changes that affect your eyesight. Some changes are more serious than others but for most problems, there are things you can do to protect your vision and keep your eyes healthy.

The key is to schedule yearly dilated eye exams so that our optometrists can detect and treat the condition early.

You should visit our eye clinic immediately if you:

• Have sudden vision loss
• See flashes of light
• Have eye pain
• Are experiencing double vision
• Have redness or swelling in your eye

Our Calgary optometrists are highly trained and experienced in treating age-related eye conditions and they can help ensure the health and longevity of your vision.

4 Age-Related Eye Conditions

Many age-related eye conditions are initially asymptomatic so it is important that you visit your optometrist for an eye exam at least once a year or book an appointment at our eye clinic the moment you notice signs of a vision-related problem.

Here are 4 common age-related eye conditions that you should be aware of:

1. Cataracts

Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over the age of 40 and is the principal cause of blindness in the world. However, if detected early through a comprehensive eye exam, cataract surgery can restore good vision.

We offer effective cataract management services at our Calgary eye clinic to help keep our patients’ vision healthy and clear.

What causes age-related cataracts? Cataracts are an inevitable part of aging that affect different patients at different ages. They develop due to changes in the structure of the lens, causing it to become less transparent, resulting in burry/misty vision.

 

2. Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a painless eye condition that causes you to lose central vision, usually in both eyes.

During a dilated eye exam, your optometrist will look for signs of AMD and if found, there are several treatment options to slow the progression of this eye condition.

The early diagnosis and treatment of AMD is essential for reducing the risk of severe vision loss. If you are experiencing any changes in your vision such as blind spots or distorted images, visit our eye clinic immediately.

What causes age-related macular degeneration? Macular degeneration develops when the part of the eye responsible for central vision (the macula) is unable to function as effectively as it used to.

 

3. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide and occurs when your optic nerve damages. It can lead to complete loss of vision if not detected and treated early.

Because this eye condition usually presents no symptoms in its early stages, it’s very important to visit your optometrist regularly as only a dilated eye exam can determine the presence of glaucoma.

We offer comprehensive glaucoma testing at our eye clinic to preserve your vision and improve your quality of life.

What causes Glaucoma? Glaucoma is usually caused by a blockage in the part of the eye that allows fluid to drain from it. This can lead to a buildup of eye pressure, eventually damaging the optic nerve.

 

4. Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the retina. It can cause blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated.

If you have diabetes, be sure to have a diabetic retinal examination at least once a year. Keeping your blood sugar under control can prevent diabetic retinopathy or slow its progress.

What causes diabetic retinopathy? The retina requires a constant blood supply, which it receives through a network of tiny blood vessels. Over time, a persistently high blood sugar level can damage these vessels, causing harmful changes to the back of the eye.

 

Learn More

To learn more about how our optometrists can help protect your vision as you age, contact our Calgary eye clinic today at 403-327-4166 or book an eye exam today.