Your eyes go through many changes as you age, and maintaining your eye health after 60 requires a proactive approach. Scheduling a comprehensive eye exam in Sioux Falls is one of the most important things you can do to monitor for common age-related eye conditions and preserve your quality of life.
In this blog, we’ll cover the vision changes that can come with aging, signs of serious eye disease, and tips to help protect your sight.
Vision changes that occur with aging
While it’s normal to experience some vision changes as you age, such as needing more light to see clearly or difficulty focusing on close objects, more serious changes can also occur. Common age-related eye conditions include:
- Cataracts, which cloud the lens and make vision blurry or dull
- Glaucoma, a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve
- Macular degeneration, which affects central vision
- Diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to vision loss in people with diabetes
Regular monitoring is essential for early detection and treatment of these conditions.
Signs to watch for
Not all vision changes are just part of “getting older.” Contact your eye doctor if you notice:
- Blurry or distorted vision
- Trouble seeing at night or with glare
- Blind spots or loss of peripheral vision
- A sudden increase in floaters or flashes
- Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
These symptoms could signal a more serious issue that may require professional treatment.
Tips for healthy eyes in your 60s and beyond
Keeping your eyes healthy as you age requires a combination of lifestyle habits and regular care. Here are a few key strategies:
- Schedule an annual eye exam to detect changes early
- Wear sunglasses to protect against UV rays
- Eat a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, fish, and antioxidant-rich foods
- Stay active and manage health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
- Avoid smoking, which increases the risk of eye disease
What if your vision changes permanently?
If age-related vision loss affects your daily life, low vision rehabilitation may help you make the most of your remaining sight. This may include assistive devices, magnifiers, specialized eyewear, or changes to your home environment to improve safety and independence.
Prioritize your long-term vision
In summary, caring for your eyes after 60 means staying informed, living a healthy lifestyle, and maintaining regular eye exams. Whether you’re managing a condition like cataracts or simply keeping an eye on your vision, preventive care can be the key to preserving your independence and quality of life.
If you’re concerned about age-related vision changes, give us a call today or fill out our online appointment request form.