Vos yeux vieillissent. Que ce soit à cause de l’utilisation prolongée d’écrans ou de l’exposition au soleil, vos activités quotidiennes nuisent à votre vision et à votre santé oculaire. Avec l’âge, les problèmes de vision, tels que la difficulté à voir de près et à distinguer les couleurs, deviennent courants. Ce texte présente six conditions à surveiller liées à la vision vieillissante, notamment la presbytie, la dégénérescence maculaire liée à l’âge, les yeux secs, le glaucome et les cataractes. Il propose également des conseils pour protéger vos yeux.
As we age, our eyes inevitably undergo changes. Whether you spend long hours in front of a screen at work or enjoy sunny summer days outdoors, these everyday activities can negatively affect your vision and overall eye health.
With aging, many people experience a decline in vision quality, often making it harder to see objects up close, perceive colors accurately, and more.
Several age-related vision issues stem from specific health conditions. Here are six common ones to keep in mind. While this isn’t an exhaustive list of all possible eye issues related to aging, it serves as a helpful starting point.
Additionally, explore which vitamins and supplements can enhance eye health, along with common habits that might currently be harming your vision.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia refers to age-related farsightedness. If you’ve noticed yourself squinting to read menus or adjusting the brightness to view text on your phone, you might be experiencing this condition.
This isn’t uncommon. The Mayo Clinic notes that nearly everyone over 40 grapples with some degree of presbyopia. Thankfully, there are numerous corrective options available, including glasses, contacts, and even surgical interventions. Consult with your eye specialist to discuss the best treatment to maintain clear vision as your eyes age.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
AMD primarily impacts central vision while leaving peripheral vision unaffected. It is a leading cause of vision impairments and loss in individuals over the age of 50, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. AMD occurs when the macula, an important section of the retina, deteriorates.
Most people experience dry AMD, which gradually diminishes central vision over time. You can monitor your eye health by checking an Amsler grid daily for any changes. Should you detect any issues, reach out to your eye doctor promptly. Lifestyle adjustments and certain supplements may help slow down AMD’s progression.
Dry eyes
While dry eyes can affect anyone, it’s particularly prevalent among older adults. This is largely due to the body producing fewer tears as we age. By age 65, many individuals will likely experience some symptoms of dry eyes.
This condition can lead to red, itchy, or burning eyes, along with blurred vision. Fortunately, many find relief through over-the-counter artificial tears (particularly preservative-free options). If those aren’t effective, consider treatments that help retain moisture in your eyes, such as punctal plugs.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma encompasses a group of conditions that can lead to vision loss and potentially blindness due to optic nerve damage. This crucial nerve, located at the back of the eye, is essential for vision. While various types of glaucoma have different characteristics, they all lead to damage from increased pressure on the optic nerve.
The most prevalent form is open-angle glaucoma, which typically presents no symptoms in the early stages, gradually affecting peripheral vision. Without intervention to relieve this pressure and protect the optic nerve, it can ultimately result in complete blindness.
A critical point to note: the vision loss caused by glaucoma is irreversible. Therefore, treatment focuses on preventing any further deterioration. Regular eye exams are vital for early detection and management, which can significantly reduce the risk of serious vision issues.
Cataracts
Cataracts are among the most frequent concerns associated with aging eyes, with over half of Americans over 80 either having cataracts or having undergone removal surgery, according to the National Eye Institute.
Cataracts develop as proteins in the eye’s lens break down and cluster together, leading to the cloudiness often associated with this condition. Cataracts can result in blurred vision, diminish color vibrancy, and impair night vision.
Management of cataracts varies based on their impact on your sight. During the early stages, strategies such as enhancing home lighting or adjusting your eyewear prescription can be beneficial. Ultimately, many individuals opt for surgical intervention to remove the cataract.
Other visual changes
We’ve covered five prevalent problems affecting aging eyes, but other non-specific changes can also occur. The National Institute on Aging states that it is entirely normal to experience difficulties in color differentiation and to require more time to adjust to varying light levels as we age.
Increased sensitivity to glare or a greater need for light for specific tasks are common as well, according to the American Optometric Association. If you observe changes in your vision, it’s important to seek an eye exam. In many cases, your eye doctor can provide treatment options to address these changes effectively.
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