Common Vision Problems After Age 50 and How to Manage Them

Hitting 50 is a milestone, and probably one that you celebrate with loved ones (and perhaps a celebratory glass of something fizzy…). Navigating into your sixth decade and beyond often requires some health-related TLC, and that includes looking after your eyesight. 

Vision problems after 50, while they might be more likely, don’t necessarily mean that you’ll have to settle for less than great eyesight. Monitoring and proactive management are key, which is done in partnership with your eye doctor. While not everyone will suffer from one or some of the following, knowing about typical conditions and their treatments can help reduce any natural concerns should you receive a diagnosis.

Vision Problems After 50

Most vision problems are picked up during regular eye examinations. For most people in good health, these are every couple of years. As you get older, your ophthalmologist might suggest increasing these to annually or even more frequently, depending on your needs.

Many people find that their vision undergoes subtle changes from 40 years onwards. These include the dreaded having to hold your phone or a book at arm’s length to read them—a condition known as presbyopia. Other common age-related visual conditions include:

• Dry eyes.
• Astigmatism.
• Floaters.
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
• Cataracts.
• Glaucoma.

Now, that’s quite a long list… But you’ll be glad to hear that there are treatments to either cure or slow the progression of them. It can’t be overstated that the earlier an eye condition is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. And yes, this means taking the time to attend those regular eye doctor appointments. Consider them an investment into your ongoing eyesight, something that most of us tend to take for granted when we’re younger.

How are Vision Problems After 50 Treated?

Diagnosis is the first step. While each of the conditions mentioned has a treatment pathway, the exact route will be tailored to your unique needs. 

• Treating dry eyes: This confusingly named condition happens when your natural tears aren’t of the right quality. Because of this, you produce excessive amounts and your eyes water more than usual. It can also be caused by allergies. Treatment options included regular eye cleansing, eye drops and/or gels, and warm compresses. If an allergy is the root cause, then determining what this is will also be key.
• Treating astigmatism: This is caused by the cornea being an irregular shape. It can occur at any time of life and can even improve as you get older. However, if it worsens or is causing problems, like eye fatigue, headaches, squinting, etc., then it can be managed with eyeglasses or contact lenses. It can also be treated during cataract surgery.
• Treating floaters: These are small squiggles, lines, or dots that “float” in your vision. They’re caused by tiny clumps of protein in the jelly-like fluid within the eye. You can’t focus on them. When you try, they move or float away, remaining just out of your direct line of sight. They’re more noticeable in bright light or on a light-colored background. They’re benign and, if they don’t cause a problem, don’t require treatment. However, if they’re large or annoying, then laser floater removal is an option.
• Treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD): This disease affects central vision. There are two types: wet and dry, with dry AMD being the most common. While there’s no definitive cure, much can be done to slow the progression. Dry AMD is usually treated conservatively, with vitamin supplements and visual aids. Wet AMD treatment includes laser/photodynamic surgery or eye injections, all of which can be very effective.
• Treating cataracts: Age-related cataracts affect everyone in the happy scenario of living to a ripe old age. They progress gradually, over many years or even decades, and are usually diagnosed during a regular eye examination. Your eye doctor will monitor them and, when the time is right, schedule you for cataract surgery. This removes the problem completely. As mentioned above, cataract surgery can also be combined with astigmatism correction.
• Glaucoma: Another common vision problem after 50, glaucoma is increased pressure within the eye (or eyes). There are different types of the disease, but both are treated with drugs, surgery, or a combination of the two. The type of treatment will be dependent on the diagnosis and severity. However it’s addressed, the aim is to lower the infraorbital pressure to reduce further progression.

The road to great eyesight in your 50s and beyond is through regular eye checks and early treatment of any vision conditions. At the West Boca Eye Center, we offer cutting-edge diagnostics and treatment for cataracts, glaucoma, AMD, and other age-related conditions.

Discover more at https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/ and call today to book a consultation.

Hitting 50 is a milestone, and probably one that you celebrate with loved ones (and perhaps a celebratory glass of something fizzy…). Navigating into your sixth decade and beyond often requires some health-related TLC, and that includes looking after your eyesight. 

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