With age comes many amazing things, like wisdom and experience from the world around you. But what many people don’t expect is for their eyesight to change.

Eye health is important regardless of age, but older, aging eyes require a yearly comprehensive eye exam. Before your next eye exam, know about these common eye conditions:

Cataracts

Does your vision feel like it’s become less clear over the years? You may have developed cataracts if you’re in your forties, fifties, or sixties. Cataracts occur when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, making your vision less clear.

With cataracts, the world around you will become harder and harder to see, as it lacks the precision and clarity you may have been used to in your youth. Cataracts are a common reason people lose vision, but they can be treated. You should consider surgery when cataracts keep you from doing things you want or need to do. For cataracts that go untreated, permanent and severe vision loss can occur.

You and your ophthalmologist should discuss your cataract symptoms and cataract treatment options. Together, you can decide whether you are ready for cataract surgery.

Dry Eye

Living in the digital age has many pros and cons. Sitting in front of laptops, second monitors, tablets, and smartphones means we’re almost never disconnected from technology.

This constant connection means your eyes are taking the brunt of the damage in the form of eye strain. Along with eye strain, many people are suffering from dry eye. Dry eye occurs when the eye’s tear film is negatively affected.

Sufferers of dry eye could have dry, scratchy eyes, or eyes that tear up uncontrollably. Although there is no cure for dry eye, there are treatments available like artificial tears, eye drops, and punctal implants that can help control the symptoms of dry eye. Even if you aren’t diagnosed with dry eye, it’s important to take frequent breaks away from your computer screens and devices.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is often thought of as the silent thief of eyesight and vision. Glaucoma develops when the pressure in the eye is higher than normal. The only way to know for sure if you have glaucoma is to go to your yearly comprehensive eye exams. Your eye doctor will be able to determine if the pressure in your eye is at a normal and healthy level.

It’s also important to let your eye doctor know if anyone in your family has had glaucoma, as it can be something you are predisposed to genetically. If glaucoma is untreated, it will lead to peripheral vision loss and even blindness. Glaucoma can be treated in a variety of ways, including medicated eye drops, surgery, or lasers.

Want to learn more about these common eye conditions? There’s never been a better time to schedule an appointment to talk to your eye doctor. Keeping up to date on yearly comprehensive eye exams will keep your eyes in the best health possible!