In a perfect world, our youthful vision would be permanent, allowing us to see clearly into old age. Unfortunately, this is far from reality. Our eyes undergo numerous changes with age, altering our ability to see and enjoy life to the fullest. However, with help from Dr. Mahootchi in Tampa Bay, you can address these changes and protect your vision before it’s lost to the aging process.
Continue reading to learn more about age-related vision changes and what to expect as you enter your later years.
Common Age-Related Vision Changes in Florida
The most common age-related vision changes among Tampa Bay patients include:
Presbyopia
One of the most prevalent age-related vision changes in Tampa Bay and beyond, presbyopia makes it difficult to see up close. It occurs as the eye’s natural lens loses flexibility, and it can be addressed with glasses, contact lenses, LASIK, PRK, or clear lens replacement with presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses.
Cataracts
Cataracts are the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. This is a normal sign of aging, and everyone will develop cataracts at some point. Thankfully, Dr. Mahootchi is Florida’s leading cataract surgeon, offering a range of industry-leading lenses – including astigmatism-correcting lenses – at a far lower cost than other local clinics.
Changes in Color Differentiation
As people get older, they often have more difficulty perceiving colors. This may be due to various factors, including the yellowing of the eye’s natural lens and less light reaching the retina (known as reduced retinal illuminance).
Difficulty Seeing in Low Light
Aging diminishes the eyes’ ability to react to changing light conditions. This occurs because we lose photoreceptors, the eye cells that are sensitive to light, with age. Shrinking pupils, the clouding of the eye’s natural lens (cataracts), and reduced tear production can also contribute to this issue for older patients in Tampa.
Dry Eye
A dry eye is an eye condition resulting from inadequate tear production. It becomes more widespread in older Floridians, and if you experienced it in your younger years, your symptoms may worsen as you age. This is because tear production naturally declines over time, often due to changes in the lacrimal glands, which are responsible for tear production.
We’re here to help you navigate age-related vision changes with leading treatment options and superior care. Schedule a consultation at The Eye Clinic of Florida today!