Early Warning Signs
What’s Not a Normal Part of Aging
As you get older, it is very important to have regular eye examinations. Some eye changes are age-related while others may signal something more serious. You may not experience any vision issues, that’s why regular checkups are a must. Many eye health issues develop gradually.
Fluctuating Vision – If you experience frequent changes in how clearly you can see, it may be a sign of eye health issues.
Seeing Floaters and Flashes – Occasionally, you may see spots or floaters in your eyes. In most cases, these are actually shadowy images of particles floating in the fluid that fills the inside of the eye. Although they can be bothersome, spots and floaters are usually harmless and typically do not risk vision. They are a natural part of the eye’s aging process. But if you suddenly see more floaters than normal, and they are accompanied by bright, flashing lights, they may be a warning sign of something wrong. Immediately contact your eye doctor.
Seeing Distorted Images – If straight lines appear distorted or wavy, or there appears to be a blind spot or empty area in the center of your vision, you may have the signs of age-related eye health issues. These issues can affect the macula, the part of your retina that is responsible for central vision where the eye’s acuity is sharpest. These issues can cause a blind spot that’s right in the middle of your field of vision. Regular eye examinations can help you continue to preserve good vision throughout life.
Aging – Aging causes a decrease in visual function, even in the healthiest of eyes. Your health care professional can help you minimize the effects of these problems. However, the aging eye also becomes more prone to age-related eye health issues that can threaten your vision, and without intervention by a health care professional and if left untreated, can lead to blindness. The most common causes of vision loss in the over-50 age group results from age-related eye health issues as well as other less common problems related to general health issues such as blood pressure and cholesterol. Routine examination by your health care professional is recommended.
Fluctuating Vision – If you experience frequent changes in how clearly you can see, it may be a sign of eye health issues.
Seeing Floaters and Flashes – Occasionally, you may see spots or floaters in your eyes. In most cases, these are actually shadowy images of particles floating in the fluid that fills the inside of the eye. Although they can be bothersome, spots and floaters are usually harmless and typically do not risk vision. They are a natural part of the eye’s aging process. But if you suddenly see more floaters than normal, and they are accompanied by bright, flashing lights, they may be a warning sign of something wrong. Immediately contact your eye doctor.
Seeing Distorted Images – If straight lines appear distorted or wavy, or there appears to be a blind spot or empty area in the center of your vision, you may have the signs of age-related eye health issues. These issues can affect the macula, the part of your retina that is responsible for central vision where the eye’s acuity is sharpest. These issues can cause a blind spot that’s right in the middle of your field of vision. Regular eye examinations can help you continue to preserve good vision throughout life.
Aging – Aging causes a decrease in visual function, even in the healthiest of eyes. Your health care professional can help you minimize the effects of these problems. However, the aging eye also becomes more prone to age-related eye health issues that can threaten your vision, and without intervention by a health care professional and if left untreated, can lead to blindness. The most common causes of vision loss in the over-50 age group results from age-related eye health issues as well as other less common problems related to general health issues such as blood pressure and cholesterol. Routine examination by your health care professional is recommended.