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Aging is often associated with different eye problems, such as cataracts and farsightedness. However, your eyes change in other ways as you age. Magruder Laser Vision’s ophthalmologists have information on eye disorders that occur frequently as patients age, along with what you can do to improve eye health.

  • Cataracts:

    By age 80, approximately half of the population has had or currently suffers from cataracts. Cataracts are caused by clots of proteins floating throughout your normally clear lens, cause vision to blur or dim, and can affect night driving.

  • Dry eyes:

    Aging, hormonal changes, and medications can all change the amount of tears normally produced by the eye’s tear ducts. Fewer tears lead to increased irritation and blurred vision. Irritation of the eyelid, or blepharitis, is common with dry eyes and may cause the eyelids to swell.

  • Floaters:

    The eye has two fluid-filled chambers. As you age, the fluid coagulates, forming annoying floaters. While these are not dangerous for your eyes, they can interfere with your vision. If you experience flashes or streaks of light, this could lead to retinal detachment, which causes blindness.

  • Glaucoma:

    Many people with glaucoma show no symptoms until their vision deteriorates. Loss of peripheral vision is often the first sign. Yearly vision examinations by an ophthalmologist will greatly reduce the chances of glaucoma occurring.

  • Macular degeneration:

    The retina contains a number of blood vessels, but excess vessels beneath the retina or thinning of the macula are signs of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Americans aged 65 or older. Yearly exams by Magruder Laser Vision can not only reduce vision loss but may even return lost vision.

How often should you visit your Orlando ophthalmologists at Magruder Laser Vision to keep your eyes in peak form? For healthy eyes, a comprehensive eye exam after age 40 will allow your doctor to determine any abnormalities. If nothing unusual is found, a visit every 2 years is in order until around age 55. From then, visit your ophthalmologist every 1-3 years at their discretion until age 65, at which time a yearly exam may be in order. If your doctor finds any visual disturbances, it may be necessary to visit more frequently. To learn more about eye health, read our blogs or contact Magruder Laser Vision at 407-843-5665.