Baby Boomer Health

Vision 40+

Everyone starts to experience changes in their eyes in their 40's. This condition is called presbyopia, and it involves a decreased ability to focus on objects that are near the eyes. Activities like reading, sewing and driving may become increasingly difficult.

Want to prevent or slow vision loss? According to many eye care professionals, the best way to accomplish this is with early detection through regular eye exams. Even though vision may be clear, exams can uncover changes in the eye caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, eye tumors, retinal disorders and glaucoma. Some of these have no symptoms in the early stages. Eye exams can also lead to the earliest detection of other serious health problems--including diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure).

Warning Signs of Vision Problems in Older Americans

Reading and doing close-up work, such as sewing, becomes increasingly difficult
There are changes in the way you see color
Experience impaired vision at night, especially while driving, caused by effects of bright light
Double Vision
Frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription
Problems with glare from lamps or the sun
Halos around lights
White spot or cloudy spot in the lens of the eye (the pupil, instead of being black appears milky or white)
Trouble seeing things to your side

All older Americans should have regular comprehensive eye exams to detect signs of serious vision problems and prevent further deterioration of sight. With regular eye exams, your eye doctor can detect problems early and prescribe proper treatments to delay or prevent vision loss. If your family has a history of eye disease, diabetes, or poor health, or if you're taking medicine that could have side effects on the eye, you may need to have an eye exam once a year. You and your doctor should determine the eye exam schedule that best meets your eye care needs. To find an eye doctor in your area, use the Check Yearly Doctor Locator to your left.

Want to know more?

Click on the links for more information on vision-threatening conditions and ways to protect your eyes.

Presbyopia

Diabetic retinopathy

Age-related macular degeneration