You can chalk up most vision alterations to the passage of time, and they can be alleviated with simple things such as a new pair of eyeglasses or improved lighting. At the office of Orange Coast Eye Center, our elite team of professionals has the ability, focus and flexibility to demonstrate consummate professional knowledge. In addition to our high-quality, comprehensive ophthalmology care, our environment is welcoming and focused on our patients.
These are three common age-related transformations.
PRESBYOPIA
It typically starts while you are in your 40s. Father Time hardens the lenses of your eyes and, to some extent, weakens the muscles around the lenses. These changes pose challenges to your eyesight because they make your eyes work harder. The onset of presbyopia can be indicated by headaches, eye strain and difficulties reading small print. The good news is that presbyopia has some “easy fixes.” Prescription reading glasses or “cheaters” you can buy at drug stores will magnify up-close objects that were once clear but are now fuzzy.
CATARACTS
If you develop cataracts, you’re in good company. Half of Americans get these vision clouders by age 80. If you’re among that 50 percent, you could experience trouble driving at night, double vision in one eye, low vision in dim environments, blurriness, halos around lights, faded colors, an aversion to light and glare, or trouble telling the difference between blues and greens.
When they’re in their early stages, the effects of cataracts can be reduced by changing the prescription of your eyeglasses or contact lenses and employing bright lights for close-up tasks. Sunglasses are helpful with the glare of daylight. When a cataract in one or both of your eyes starts interfering with your daily life, an ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract surgery can replace your cloudy lens with a clear lens implant.
FLOATERS
These usually harmless shadows appear when the gel-like substance (the vitreous) on the eye casts spots, threadlike strands or squiggly lines on the retina. Floaters are most apparent when you look at something bright, such as a bright sky. However, it’s imperative that you seek immediate medical attention if numerous floaters or flashes of light appear suddenly, or if you abruptly lose your peripheral vision. These symptoms may indicate a detachment in the vitreous and/or retina.
The office of Orange Coast Eye Center is enthusiastic about treating the health of your eyes. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment.
By Orange Coast Eye Center
June 28, 2022