You’re not crazy; your vision is changing!
As we age, our eyes age with us. Changes in prescription throughout our lives are natural, as our eyes never truly stop growing. Prescription adjustments may appear to be more drastic in children since their eyes are physically getting larger, whereas by adulthood, our eyes are aging rather than growing.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that your eyesight is getting “worse”. Many adults require the use of glasses to see clearly. For those who already wear glasses, fluctuations in prescriptions are often simple adjustments to keep your vision as close to 20/20 as possible.
If you begin to experience any of the following symptoms, it may be time to visit your optometrist.
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Eyestrain
- Fuzziness when focusing on the edges of objects
- The need to squint to see clearly
- Difficulty driving or seeing at night
- Double vision
- Seeing “halos” around objects or lights at night
Comprehensive eye exams with your optometrist are essential, especially with advancing age. According to the American Optometric Association, most common problems in adults develop between ages 41 to 60. Adults in this range may find that they are beginning to experience issues when focusing on objects, especially when reading.
As the eye changes with age, the focusing ability may become compromised. This condition is known as presbyopia. Presbyopia can easily be treated, usually with prescription glasses or contacts. In some cases, simply switching to a bifocal or multifocal lens will correct problems.
The risks of cataracts, macular degeneration, or glaucoma also greatly increase in adults 60 and older. These conditions can only be diagnosed during an eye exam, and are critical diagnoses as they can lead to vision loss or blindness if left untreated.
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, or are in need of a regular eye exam, call our office or schedule an appointment online today.
