Changes in your eyesight are part of the normal aging process. In fact, many vision problems develop in your adult years. Dr. Joel H. McGahen, your low vision specialist, talks about some of them.
Dry Eye Disease
Your risk of developing dry eye disease increases as you grow older, partly because of the hormonal changes you experience over time. These events may affect your tear quality, resulting in this condition. Drinking plenty of water daily, eating cold-water fish and applying artificial tears are some great remedies for this problem.
Macular Degeneration
The macula, the retina’s focal region, plays a large role in providing your central vision. It may deteriorate in time, resulting in difficulties recognizing things in front of you. You may also see blind spots across your visual field. Your eye doctor will create a treatment plan based on the type you have and your symptoms.
Cataracts
Protein breakdown in your eyes may increase as you age. Their fragments may settle on your lenses’ surface, resulting in cataract formation. Cataracts may block light rays from entering your eyes, giving you cloudy vision. If they are causing significant eyesight problems, we may perform an eye exam to assess their severity. We may remove them surgically for your enhanced visual clarity.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is an age-related refractive error that occurs when your lenses lose their flexibility, reducing their means to focus light on your retina. As a result, you may have a hard time seeing things clearly, especially those objects near you. This is why most adults prefer holding their reading materials at least an arm’s length away. Using reading eyeglasses or multifocal contact lenses may help improve your visual acuity.
Call us today at (717) 609-4443 or complete our form to learn more about age-related eye conditions. We serve PA residents in Shippensburg, Greencastle, and nearby communities.