As the years pass and we grow older, various health conditions become more prevalent – including eye health conditions. Rather than treating these conditions after they appear, we recommend that Florida seniors take a proactive approach, working to protect their eyes and vision before problems arise.
In this article, we’ll discuss the most widespread eye health conditions for seniors in Florida, along with Dr. Mahootchi’s key warning signs to look out for in your later years.
Eye Health Conditions Among Florida Seniors
The most common eye health conditions among Tampa Bay seniors include cataracts, glaucoma, presbyopia, and age-related macular degeneration.
Cataracts
Cataracts are the yellowing of the eye’s natural lens. Florida has one of the highest cataract rates in the country, likely due to its sizable senior population. Warning signs to watch out for include:
- Cloudy, blurry, or dim vision
- Vision problems at night
- Seeing halos around lights
- Light sensitivity and glare
- Colors appearing faded, brown, yellow, or less vibrant
- Frequent changes to your glasses or contacts prescription
Glaucoma
Glaucoma refers to a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve (the nerve that connects the eye and brain). Warning signs to consider include:
- Pain or pressure in the eyes
- Halos around lights
- Headaches
- Blurred, narrowed, or low vision
- Blind spots
- Red eyes
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is an age-related eye condition that makes it difficult to see up close. It affects everyone at some point in life, but you can slow its progression with a healthy lifestyle and regular Tampa eye exams. Warning signs include:
- Blurry vision
- Squinting
- Headaches
- Eyestrain
- Difficulty seeing up-close
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
The leading cause of vision loss over 70 in Florida and across the country, macular degeneration occurs when the macula (the part of the retina used for our best reading, color, and central vision) breaks down. Warning signs include:
- Blurry vision
- Dark or blind spots in your vision
- Loss of central vision, making it difficult to read, drive, or recognize faces
- Colors appear less vibrant than before
- Straight lines look wavy
- Difficulty seeing in low light
Preserving Your Eye Health in Tampa Bay
If you experience any of the warning signs discussed above, schedule an appointment with our team in Tampa Bay for a comprehensive eye evaluation.