Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in Eye Exams, General Eye Health on September 30, 2020
Did you know that there is a month dedicated to healthy aging? Do you know signs to look for to ensure your eyes are healthy?
September is dedicated to educating people about healthy aging. Keep reading to learn about the most common eye conditions and the importance of eye exams!
The Warning Signs of Cataracts
When it comes to aging eyes, cataracts are incredibly common. Almost everyone will end up with cataracts as they age.
Cataracts occur as proteins in the eye clump together. This causes blurry or clouded vision. There are many warning signs of cataracts that you should be aware of. They include:
Blurry Vision:
When a patient has cataracts, they can cause blurry vision, and make lights have more glare. Cataracts can also cause colors to look duller.
Seeing Halos:
Another common symptom of cataracts is if you see halos. This most commonly occurs at night while driving.
Difficulty Focusing on Details:
With cataracts, you may notice that it becomes more difficult to focus on details. This could make activities like cooking, watching television, reading, and sewing more difficult.
Many people consider cataract surgery when they can no longer complete these activities.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. To see well, you need the optic nerve working.
Damage to the optic nerve usually occurs because of abnormally high intraocular pressure. As there are different types of glaucoma, they come with different signs.
Some kinds of glaucoma have symptoms, but the most common kind does not. This is chronic open-angle glaucoma.
Glaucoma is also known as the secret thief of sight, since it may not have any symptoms. The effects of glaucoma can be so minimal that you might not notice a change in your vision until it’s advanced.
Depending on the type and stage of your glaucoma, the signs and symptoms vary.
If you start noticing vision changes, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. When glaucoma is not treated, it will lead to eventual blindness.
About 15% of people with glaucoma experience blindness in at least one eye within 20 years. This is even after starting treatment.
It’s important to catch glaucoma early because its effects are irreversible. Any vision lost because of glaucoma cannot be regained.
This is part of the reason why regular eye exams are so important! Your doctor will measure your eye pressure to watch it in case of a change.
This will help them make a diagnosis early on and provide you with proper treatment. If glaucoma is diagnosed early, you can delay or prevent vision loss.
The Importance of Eye Exams
As you age, it is important to get regular eye exams. Age impacts the decision to dilate your eyes.
Patients who are over 40 have a higher risk of getting eye diseases. An example of this is cataracts.
As you age, there is a higher probability that you’ll get cataracts. This increased risk makes it even more important to get your eyes dilated.
Adults should get eye exams every two years until the age of 64, and then it should be annually for adults 65+. By the age of 80, half of all adults 80+ will have cataracts.
For people 60+, glaucoma is one of the main causes of blindness. It is possible for anyone to get glaucoma. It is more common in aging adults.
Do you think it is time for a comprehensive eye exam? Our doctors are ready to help and educate you about how to keep your eyes healthy.
Schedule an appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Hillsboro, OR today!
