Your Eyes at Every Age: A Friendly Guide to Vision Changes
Posted by: Invision Optometry in Category Eye Health
Today, let’s take a stroll through the various stages of life and explore how our vision evolves over time. Our eyes, like faithful companions, are with us every step of the way, which is why it’s essential to understand how they change as we age. So, let’s uncover some common eye conditions and topics to discuss with your doctor at your next eye exam.
Birth to 10 Years Old: The Wonder Years
When you’re born, vision isn’t your strong suit. Your eyes cannot focus yet, and everything you see is a blur. In fact, for the first few months, babies can’t see details beyond 6 to 10 feet away.
The toddler years are when a child’s vision begins to focus. Children are incredibly adaptive, and do a remarkable job at adjusting to vision loss. In many cases you may think that they see just fine, when in fact, there’s an undetected issue at hand. This is why routine pediatric eye exams are so important. The sooner any potential vision issues are caught, the better.
Common Eye Conditions:
- Nearsightedness (Myopia)
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
- Color Blindness
- Astigmatism
- Lazy Eye (Amblyopia)
- Crossed Eyes (Strabismus)
Concerns to Discuss with Your Doctor:
- Frequent headaches
- Behavioral issues
- Eye fatigue
- Rubbing eyes frequently
- Difficulty reading
- Difficulty seeing objects at a distance
10-20 Years Old: Teenage Transitions
Ah, adolescence – a time of change. As we navigate the tumultuous waters of puberty, some of us may experience the need for glasses or contact lenses as our vision adjusts to the rapid growth and hormonal fluctuations. Those with astigmatism or hyperopia (farsightedness) may notice that they have trouble switching focus between near and far when copying down notes in class. This is why early detection is key. Regular eye exams ensure that you will see your best by determining any prescription changes.
Common Eye Conditions:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism
- Digital Eye Strain
- Contact Lens-related Issues
Concerns to Discuss with Your Doctor:
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Eye fatigue
- Difficulty seeing objects at a distance
- Difficulty reading or focusing in class
20-40 Years Old: Prime Performance
Welcome to adulthood, where our vision is at its prime! In these bustling years of work, family, and adventure, most vision problems that arise can be corrected with prescription glasses or contact lenses. Even those without the need for glasses and contacts should prioritize their eye health by maintaining regular eye exams and adopting healthy lifestyle habits to mitigate the rise of eye disease down the road.
Common Eye Conditions:
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Presbyopia (age-related farsightedness)
- Dry Eye Syndrome
- Astigmatism
Concerns to Discuss with Your Doctor:
- LASIK
- Digital Eye Strain
- How Diabetes affects your vision
- The best lenses to protect you from UV rays
- Eye protection to prevent eye injuries based on your lifestyle
- How to alleviate eye allergies
40-60 Years Old: Embracing Change
As we journey through our forties and beyond, it’s not uncommon to experience shifts in our eyesight, such as difficulty reading small print or changes in color perception. While these changes are a natural part of aging, it’s essential to stay proactive about eye health by scheduling regular comprehensive eye exams. Focusing on having a healthy lifestyle can also help decrease potential vision issues, as conditions such as being overweight, having high blood pressure, diabetes, or a lack of sleep make you more prone to eye diseases.
Common Eye Conditions:
Concerns to Discuss with Your Doctor:
- Trouble reading fine print
- Increased dry eyes
- Trouble seeing at night
60 Years+: Maintaining Health
As we enter the golden years, our vision may undergo further changes, with age-related conditions becoming more prevalent. Despite these challenges, it’s essential to prioritize eye health by maintaining regular check-ups and addressing any concerns with an eye care professional. At your eye exam, your doctor will watch for any prescription changes and underlying health conditions. They will also provide guidance on how you can adapt to vision changes. Keep in mind that your lifestyle makes a big difference when it comes to reducing your risk of age-related vision loss.
Common Eye Conditions:
- Presbyopia (Farsightedness)
- Ocular Hypertension
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Retinal Detachment
- Macular Degeneration
Concerns to Discuss with Your Doctor:
- Issues with night driving (night blindness)
- Seeing more floaters or spots in your vision
- Balance issues
- Flashes of light or sudden vision loss (seek immediate medical attention)
And there you have it friends – typical vision changes through every stage of life. Let’s make a commitment to prioritize our eye health, starting with regular comprehensive eye exams.
Are you overdue for an eye appointment? Schedule an exam at Invision Optometry today!
