Our bodies change as we get older, those changes include alterations to our vision. Low vision is a term you may hear frequently as a condition that significantly influences elderly people’s daily life. But what is low vision? Low vision is a significant vision impairment that’s not entirely correctable with glasses, contact lenses, medication, or even surgery.
Low vision isn’t total blindness, but it makes everyday tasks like reading the morning paper or recognizing faces more challenging. For your overall health and safety as you age, it’s critical to understand the causes, symptoms, challenges, and available treatments for low vision.
As we get older, old age eye problems like low vision become more common. A couple of the usual eye diseases associated with low vision causes include:
Even though each of these conditions affects vision in a different way, they can all eventually result in reduced vision, especially as we get older.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of age-related vision changes. You may notice that these changes make it harder to focus on close-up tasks (like threading a needle or reading the fine print), colors may not seem as bright, and you may need more light to see well. You could also find it tough to adapt to darkness or bright light, or you might struggle with depth perception. This can be a lot to handle, but understanding that these age-related vision changes are normal can help you face them.
Treating Age-Related Eye Diseases
Loss of sight due to age can be a challenging reality. However, low vision treatment is available in some cases. Besides accommodations like large-print reading materials, high-contrast lenses, and even video magnification, there are also surgical treatments, like cataract removal and glaucoma surgery. And at Mid Atlantic Retina, we specialize in age-related macular degeneration. Our specialists are here to discuss your low vision and the available options with you.
Of course, early detection is key to preventing or slowing down vision loss. That’s where regular eye exams come in. They’re as vital as your annual physical—don’t skip them!
Preventative Treatment Is Essential
As you continue to age, prevention is the key. Paying attention to the early signs of low vision and taking action can save you from a world of trouble down the line.
Ask yourself the following questions:
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider scheduling a consultation with an eye care professional.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can also assist in managing age-related vision changes and delay the onset of retinal illnesses. For instance, regular exercise can lower the risk of AMD by as much as 70%. A diet full of fruits, vegetables, and seafood can give the eyes the nutrition they need. You can shield your eyes from damaging UV radiation, a common risk factor for cataracts and macular degeneration, by wearing caps and sunglasses. Maintaining healthy blood pressure is also important for protecting your eyes and vision.
Age-related vision loss can be a difficult part of getting older, but the doctors at Mid Atlantic Retina are here to assist. Our team sets the bar for ground-breaking therapies for AMD to treat patients with low vision. To protect your eye health and quality of life, make an appointment with a Mid-Atlantic Retina specialist today at 800-331-6634.
