Senior Vision

Presbyopia, age-related farsightedness, affects your eyes' ability to focus on near objects. You may become aware of presbyopia once you begin holding books and newspapers at arm's length to be able to read them. This condition is a natural part of the aging process and affects virtually all adults in their 40s. Our eye doctors will diagnose and help correct your presbyopia so you can see clearly again. They'll provide you with corrective glasses and/or contact lenses, such as monovision and multifocals.

The most common causes of vision loss among the elderly are age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.

• Age-related macular degeneration is characterized by the loss of central vision.
• Glaucoma results in visual field loss.
• Cataracts cause blurred vision and faded colors among the elderly.
• Diabetic retinopathy is characterized by blurred vision and floaters, among other symptoms.
• Other conditions include dry or watery eyes and floaters.

Because many of these conditions may initially be asymptomatic, it's critical that elderly patients undergo routine eye exams. The earlier these conditions are detected, the better the treatment outcome.

Although there's no sure-fire method for preventing eye disease, certain lifestyle habits can put the odds in your favor. To help ensure healthy vision for a lifetime, wear high-quality sunglasses whenever outdoors, quit smoking if you do, eat eye-healthy foods, and ask your optometrist about taking AREDS supplements. Most importantly, regular visits with your eye doctor are crucial to keeping your vision sharp throughout your golden years.