Maintaining Good Vision
The health of our vision changes as we age. Once we reach 40, it is not uncommon for eye problems to arise. Presbyopia, or age-related long-sightedness, is common even for people with prior perfect eyesight. Age may cause you to perceive as blurry objects at close range, so prescription reading glasses or multi-focals may be needed to correct the problem.
Another eye problem that can come about with age is cataracts. Healthy eyes maintain clear vision like a camera lens. Light passes through the cornea and lens to reach the retina — the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye where images are processed. A cataract causes the crystalline lens to turn opaque, resulting in cloudy or blurred vision. When this occurs, the cataract needs to be removed by surgery.
Glaucoma, also known as the ‘silent thief of sight’, causes an increase in eye pressure that can lead to permanent vision loss. In healthy eyes, watery fluid flows freely between the cornea and lens. When the flow of this fluid is blocked, pressure increases without any signs or symptoms. Therefore, it is prudent to visit an optometrist for regular eye pressure checks.
The health of the retina, in particular, needs to be monitored for disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vessels occlusions, and retinal detachments.
To make sure that your eyes are functioning normally, schedule an appointment with an optometrist and have them checked regularly.
TIPS FOR MAINTAINING GOOD VISION
1 Wear UV-protection sunglasses while driving. Protecting your eyes from UV can prevent common eye problems such as cataracts.
2 Get a pair of corrective glasses if you find it difficult to read your navigation device.
3 Eat well for eye health. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common retinal disorders caused by diabetes.
4 Stop smoking. Smoking is the largest risk factor for agerelated macular degeneration.
5 Visit your optometrist regularly for comprehensive eye screening. Early diagnosis is key.