What Is an Aging Eye?

Our eyes undergo several changes as we age. These changes are usually gradual and become more noticeable once we reach middle age. Recognizing how your eyes change with age can help you get the proper care necessary to preserve your vision well into your senior years. The optometrist at Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates in Columbia, SC, is here to tell you about eye changes that come with age and ways you can protect your vision.

Eyes Change as You Age

While your eyes change naturally with age, your risk for eye and vision issues increases. Aging does not necessarily mean you will experience poor vision, but your vision will change in some capacity. For example, many people over 40 will require eyeglasses to read the small text in books. Your optometrist can correct this condition, called presbyopia, with reading glasses or bifocals. Other natural changes in vision may include reduced night vision, changes in color perception, and increased glare sensitivity.

Some Eye Conditions Become More Likely

While most changes in vision due to aging are minor concerns, your risk of developing some eye conditions increases dramatically. Conditions like cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma are some of the most frequent eye issues people face due to age. Regular exams with your optometrist are crucial for detecting these eye conditions early before they lead to significant vision loss or blindness.

How You Can Protect and Preserve Your Vision

While you cannot prevent your eyes from naturally changing as you age, you can take steps to preserve your vision well into your senior years. The best way to protect your vision is by scheduling regular eye exams at an eye clinic near me. These allow your optometrist to detect changes in your vision that warrant attention. Healthy lifestyle habits like wearing sunglasses while outside and eating a balanced diet can keep your vision strong. Managing chronic conditions and quitting smoking also preserve your vision for longer.

Visit Your Eye Clinic Near Me in Columbia, SC, for an Eye Exam Today

Whether you need contacts and eyeglasses to correct visual changes or want to schedule an eye exam at an “eye clinic near me,” Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates in Columbia, SC, can help. Our optometrist can treat eye and vision issues before they lead to significant vision loss and help you maintain visual clarity as you age. Call us and schedule an appointment today at (803) 254-6306 to protect your eye and vision health.