09/09/2025
10 common age-related vision changes and how they can be managed:
1. Presbyopia
Change: Difficulty focusing on near objects (starts around age 40).
Management: Reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, or multifocal contact lenses.
2. Cataracts
Change: Cloudy or blurred vision, sensitivity to glare.
Management: Regular eye exams, stronger lighting, updated glasses; surgery if severe.
3. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Change: Loss of sharp central vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces.
Management: Regular eye exams, healthy diet rich in leafy greens & omega-3s, avoiding smoking, and taking prescribed eye supplements (AREDS formula).
4. Glaucoma
Change: Damage to the optic nerve, often causing loss of peripheral (side) vision.
Management: Routine eye pressure checks, prescribed eye drops, medications, or surgery/laser if needed.
5. Dry Eyes
Change: Eyes feel dry, itchy, or watery due to reduced tear production.
Management: Artificial tears, humidifiers, omega-3 fatty acids, and limiting screen time.
6. Diabetic Retinopathy (for older adults with diabetes)
Change: Blurred vision, floaters, or vision loss from damaged retinal blood vessels.
Management: Good blood sugar control, regular eye exams, laser treatment, or injections if needed.
7. Retinal Detachment
Change: Sudden floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow/curtain over vision.
Management: Immediate medical attention; surgery or laser treatment.
8. Reduced Contrast Sensitivity
Change: Difficulty distinguishing objects from their background, especially in low light.
Management: Brighter lighting at home, high-contrast markings (like on stair edges), anti-glare lenses.
9. Loss of Color Perception
Change: Colors may appear faded or less vibrant, often linked with cataracts.
Management: Cataract surgery can restore color clarity; proper lighting also helps.
10. Reduced Peripheral Vision
Change: Tunnel vision or bumping into objects from the side.
Management: Regular screenings for glaucoma and other conditions; mobility training if severe.
