How Vision Changes as You Age

Vision changes are common after age 40, and risk for several vision problems increases with age.

Here are a few important age-related eye problems to be aware of:

Presbyopia is the normal age-related loss of near focusing ability that affects virtually everyone after age 40. Presbyopia is not an eye disease and can easily be corrected with bifocals, progressive lenses or multifocal contacts.

Cataracts are opacities in the eye’s lens that most often occur as a result of aging, and are the most common cause of vision loss among seniors. About half of 65-year-old Americans have some degree of cataract formation. Typically, vision can be restored with cataract surgery.

Macular Degeneration (Age related macular degeneration or AMD) is a serious age-related eye disease and the leading cause of blindness among seniors. Though the cause of AMD is not completely understood, chronic inflammation and oxidative changes appear to play a role.

Glaucoma describes a number of conditions that cause vision loss because of optic nerve damage, usually due to high eye pressure. Early detection is necessary to prevent permanent vision loss.

Diabetic Retinopathy is eye damage from diabetes that can cause blindness. Among known diabetics over age 40, the National Eye Institute estimates that 40 percent have some degree of diabetic retinopathy.

Other age-related eye problems include Dry Eyes, Reduced Peripheral Vision and Decreased Color Vision.

The best way to protect your eyesight for a lifetime of good vision is to eat a healthy diet, maintain a proper weight, exercise and have routine comprehensive eye exams at least every two years or more.

To schedule an appointment to screen for these problems, click the button below or call 850.939.3459.

Eye Twitching and Eyelid Twitches

Have you ever had an annoying eyelid twitch? Episodes of eye twitching (really, it’s the eyelid that twitches) are common. These twitches generally are harmless and are not a sign of an eye problem or medical condition.

Usually only the bottom lid of one eye is involved, but the top eyelid also can twitch. Most eye twitches come and go, but some can last for days or even weeks.

Though no one knows for sure why they happen, suspected causes of eyelid twitches include:

Stress. Our bodies react to stress in different ways, and eyelid twitching can be one sign of stress.

Fatigue. A lack of sleep, whether because of stress or some other reason, might trigger lid twitches.

Eye Strain. Vision-related stress can occur if you need glasses or a change to your eyeglasses prescription. Your eyes might be working too hard, triggering eyelid twitching.

Computer Use. Eye strain and eye fatigue from computer use also can cause eye twitching. Sometimes special computer glasses can help.

Caffeine and Alcohol. Too much caffeine and/or alcohol can trigger eyelid twitching.

Dry Eyes. Some eye twitches might be caused by dry eyes. If your eyes feel dry, try using artificial tears to stop the twitching.

If you have a particularly annoying and persistent eyelid twitch, you might want to try placing a cold compress on your closed eye for a minute or two.  In most cases, eyelid twitches stop on their own without any treatment, but if you have a twitch that persists or worsens over time, you should schedule an appointment.

To schedule an appointment, click the button below or call 850.939.3459.