We are lucky to live in a society where many of us enjoy good nutrition and an active lifestyle. So much so, that many folks look and feel younger than their chronological age (we’ve all heard the saying “fifty is the new 40”). Because we lead a healthier, more active lifestyle than our parents’ generation, many of us are taken somewhat by surprise when age starts to take its toll on our bodies.
After all, we don’t feel old. But it would be a mistake to assume that because we wear sunglasses and eat leafy greens, that we’ll have healthy eyes well into our 90’s. The truth is that many conditions associated with aging eyes have no early symptoms and may be quite advanced by the time vision changes become noticeable.
That’s why it’s important to be aware of age-related eye conditions that can result in vision loss. Knowing what warning signs to watch out for, making good lifestyle choices, and getting regular eye exams will go a long way toward maintaining good eye health as you age.
What common eye health problems affect people aged 60 and older?
Many people don’t realize that health conditions involving other organ systems can also affect your eye health. For instance, folks who have high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, or who take certain medications are at greater risk of developing vision problems as a result of these conditions.
What common eye diseases after the age of 60 can lead to permanent vision loss if not detected and treated early?
Cataracts
A cataract occurs when your normally clear lens becomes cloudy or opaque with age. Cataracts can present as blurry vision, decreased ability to see in low light conditions (like night driving), decreased contrast sensitivity, dull color perception, and increased sensitivity to glare.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
AMD affects the macula: the central part of the retina governing the perception of fine details and colors. AMD causes central vision loss that can limit your ability to perform daily activities important to your quality of life like driving, reading, watching TV, and recognizing faces.
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is the manifestation of uncontrolled diabetes in your eye that results in progressive damage to the tiny blood vessels nourishing the retina (the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eyeball). Over time, the vessels become porous, causing problems with blood circulation, retinal swelling, and blurred vision. Poor blood sugar control increases your risk of diabetic retinopathy and blindness.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma describes a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the part of the eye conveying signals from the retina to your brain. Glaucoma presents with subtle peripheral (side) vision loss. Referred to as the “silent thief of sight”, glaucoma is painless and often goes undetected until there has been significant vision loss. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to total blindness. Older adults, African Americans, and folks with a family history of glaucoma are at greatest risk.
Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment can occur as a result of the normal aging of the eye and involves the separation of the retina from the back of the eyewall, like wallpaper peeling off a wall. Retinal detachment can also occur as a result of inflammatory eye conditions, advanced diabetes, and head or eye injuries.
Dry Eye
Dry eye is a condition that results from producing inadequate quantity or quality of tears. It can present as a gritty sensation, eye irritation, clouding or blurred vision, and eye strain. Inadequate lubrication can affect the health of the eye surface and ultimately, your vision. Dry eye syndrome is a common problem among all adults, but especially older adults.
How vision affects driving safety after 60
After 60, age-related vision changes and the onset of eye disease can affect your ability to drive safely, even before you become aware of having vision symptoms. The most common age-related vision changes that can affect driving include:
- Not seeing road signs clearly due to blurry vision at night
- Trouble seeing near objects like your car’s instrument panel or your GPS screen
- Difficulty with judging distances and speed
- Experiencing changes in your ability to perceive color
- Trouble seeing at night or in low light conditions
- Problems adjusting to bright sunlight or headlight glare
- Experiencing peripheral vision loss (side vision loss)
In order to remain safe on the roads, what precautionary steps can older drivers take?
Reduce your speed and limit yourself to daytime driving
if you’re experiencing problems with low vision or having trouble recovering from headlight glare while driving at night.
Avoid eyeglasses with wide side arms
Eyewear with thick arms or bulky temples can obstruct your side field of vision.
Practice extra caution at intersections
The most common accidents involving seniors occur due to failure to yield to oncoming traffic when making left turns. Before entering an intersection, make sure to look carefully in both directions. Turn your head if necessary, to compensate for decreased peripheral vision.
Consider taking a driving course for seniors
The AARP offers a safe driving course that can not only teach you how to compensate for the physical changes that may affect your driving but also may lower your car insurance premium.
Get an annual eye exam
Annual exams ensure that your prescription is current and, even more importantly, allow your eye care provider to screen you for any eye condition and start treatment early.
How to keep your eyes healthy as you age: get regular eye exams
The American Optometric Association recommends that every adult over age 65 receive a comprehensive eye exam annually. However, if you’re at a higher risk of eye problems due to a family history of eye disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or if you’ve had prior vision problems, your eye doctor might recommend more frequent check-ups. Why? Because many serious eye problems can be prevented with early detection.
Even if your vision seems fine, getting regular eye exams can help you maintain good vision for the rest of your life. Make it a habit to schedule your annual eye exam around your birthday, that way you won’t forget. After all, taking care of your eye health is the best birthday present you can give yourself.
Why choose Assil Gaur Eye Institute for your eye care throughout your life?
The eye care professional team of ophthalmologists and optometrists at Assil Gaur Eye Institute (AGEI) offers world-class eye care treating dry eye conditions, cataracts, glaucoma, LASIK, and laser eye correction as well as a wide variety of cornea and retinal conditions.
At AGEI, you will experience a state-of-the-art health care facility that brings together revolutionary technologies with experienced vision care professionals. Our goal is to help you achieve your personal best vision.
Please call 866-945-2745 or visit us here to make an appointment online. If you are experiencing any concerning symptoms, contact us immediately to determine the best time to schedule an exam.
At Assil Gaur Eye Institute we take our patients’ safety seriously. Our facility’s Covid-19 patient safety procedures exceed all CDC recommendations. Masks are required in our institutes at all times.
We are conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area at locations in or near Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles, to name a few.
