What’s Not a Normal Part of Aging?

As you get older, it is very important to have regular eye examinations. Some eye changes may signal something more serious than age-related changes, such as an eye disease that needs medical treatment. Even if you are not experiencing eye symptoms, regular checkups are a must.

Many eye diseases do not have warning symptoms but could be minimized or slowed with proper treatment. For example, although eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment are often painless and the onset is gradual, they can greatly impair vision if not promptly treated.

Here are a few things to know and remember about our aging eyes.

• Vision impairment and blindness are among the top 5 causes of disability in older adults
• As more Americans head toward retirement and beyond, scientists expect the number of people with age-related eye problems to rise dramatically.
• Many eye diseases do not have warning symptoms but could be minimized or slowed with proper treatment. Early detection is key.
• Effective treatments are now available for many disorders that may have led to blindness or visual impairment in the past.

There is so much to know about the natural process of aging. And when you have questions, ask us.