Change in our eyes is a natural part of the aging process. However, there are many things we can do to be proactive and keep our vision health a priority as we grow older.  

First, it’s important to be aware of vision conditions that increase in likelihood with age. The leading cause for vision loss in those 50 years or older is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a condition that impacts central vision. In fact, nearly 20 million Americans are experiencing some form of AMD.

Other conditions that are more common in older age groups are:

• Glaucoma: This eye disease causes damage to the optic nerve due to fluid build-upon the front part of the eye.
• Cataracts: This is a condition that develops as a cloudy spot in the lens of the eye and can cause vision to be blurry, hazy or lacking in color.
• Low Vision: Low Vision is the loss of eyesight that is not correctable with glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery. It is often caused by other vision conditions like macular-degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma.

Knowing that eye health can be impacted by age, it’s important to pay close attention to changes in eyesight and continue to have annual vision care exams. Whether or not you require vision correction, these exams can help detect and manage problems that could worsen with age.

There are also healthy habits you can implement to help prevent vision conditions down the road. This includes eating a well-balanced diet with eye-friendly nutrients and wearing protective sunglasses to prevent harm from UV rays.

Keeping these healthy practices in mind will not only benefit your eyes, but your overall physical well-being for years to come.