Vision Problems After Age 40
Posted on: 30 December 2020
For many people, changes in vision develop after age 40. Those who already wear corrective lenses may notice new or worsening vision issues. People who have not worn glasses or contacts may find that they require them after age 40. Credit the natural aging process for many of the issues of visual decline. However, chronic disease and lifestyle choices also impact vision in older adults.
Bifocals
Presbyopia affects many people beginning in their 40s. This condition affects the eyes' ability to focus at close range. The lens loses some of its flexibility, and the resulting rigidity makes vision blurry when viewing objects or reading up-close.
Holding an object at arms' length or removing eyeglasses helps to bring it into focus. Bifocal lenses offer a more convenient solution, allowing patients to see both near and far objects clearly without taking their glasses off or holding the object away from them. Presbyopia typically worsens until the age of 65, when the condition levels off.
Cataracts
After age 40, the proteins that coat the ocular lens begin to break down and clump together instead of aligning correctly on the lens surface. As the mass of proteins grows, it blocks light from passing through the lens. These patches, called cataracts, decrease the patient's vision, and may also alter how the patient sees colors.
Some factors cause cataracts to form more quickly. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of eye protection from the sun contribute to protein breakdown on the eyes' lenses. Some health conditions and treatments also increase the risk of cataracts, such as diabetes, radiation treatment, long-term steroid use, and previous eye surgeries or injuries.
Serious Symptoms
Some people in their 40s begin to experience symptoms that indicate more serious vision problems. Fluctuations in visual clarity, wavy images, flashing lights, and shadows could be a sign of a more serious issue involving damage to the retina.
Loss of peripheral vision may signal damage to the optic nerve. This condition, called glaucoma, may not present any symptoms until the damage has been done. Regular glaucoma screening, especially after age 40, can identify the disease in the early stages.
Eye Exams
Regular eye exams performed by your optometrist can find age- and disease-related eye conditions before they become serious and have a negative effect on your vision. People over 40 should see the optometrist at least every two years. People with risk factors such as chronic health issues, a family history of eye diseases, or a job that causes eye strain should have their eyes examined yearly.
Contact a company like Sabates Eye Centers to learn more.
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