#HealthInfo: Eye Health: Changes in Vision as You Age

Eyestrain and Computer Use

Vision problems may result when you stare at computer screens, smartphones, tablets, and e-readers for too long. Excessive screen time may result in headaches, dry eyes, eyestrain, blurred vision, and shoulder and neck pain. These symptoms are temporary and resolve when you limit or take a break from screen time. To minimize computer eyestrain, position the monitor so that is approximately 2 feet in front of you. Make sure you have adequate lighting to reduce glare. Experts recommend following the 20-20-20 rule to minimize the risk of eyestrain and other symptoms associated with looking at screens. The rule is to look at an object that is 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds for every 20 minutes that you are on the computer or looking at another device screen.

Protect Your Eyes

Eyes are vulnerable to damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, chemicals, and accidents. Protect your peepers by wearing sunglasses that have UV protection while outdoors. Wear protective goggles when you are working with machinery, tools, or caustic chemicals. Approximately 2,000 people every day in the U.S. suffer eye injuries while on the job that require medical treatment. An injury to the eye or chemical exposure could even lead to blindness. It is estimated that 90% of these eye injuries could be prevented or minimized if people wore adequate eye protection. Wear protective eye goggles or even a face shield when working with tools or chemicals at home or on the job. Wear sunglasses while outside to protect yourself against UV sun exposure.

Is It Time for 'Readers'?

Most people need to use reading glasses to see things up close once they reach a certain age, usually by age 40 or older. The inability to see things clearly up close is called presbyopia. Eyeglasses called "readers" improve your ability to see things that are close up more clearly. You can purchase readers over the counter at pharmacies and other venues. They are available in various strengths, but unlike prescription eyeglasses, they will not be tailored to your vision. Usually people need different prescriptions for each eye, so standard readers may not be appropriate for you. You can also correct your vision by wearing contact lenses or getting laser surgery.

The rates of both myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness) increase with age. About 25 percent of adults between the ages of 40 and over are nearsighted and about 10 percent of adults over the age of 40 are farsighted. Nearsightedness and farsightedness are common eye problems. You can correct your vision by wearing prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. See your optometrist to test your vision and discuss whether eyeglasses, contact lenses, or a combination of the two are right for you.

What Is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a normal process associated with aging of the eyes. The lens of the eye is very flexible before the age of 40. This flexibility makes it easy for the eyes to focus on objects that are far away or close up. The lens becomes less flexible as we age. This makes it more difficult to focus on objects that are close up. Inadequate or poor lighting makes the problem worse. People with the condition often hold books or menus at a restaurant farther away to be able to read from them more easily.

Other Diseases and Vision

Some diseases that you would not necessarily associate with the eyes can negatively impact vision. Diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to eye conditions and visual impairment. Diabetes is a top potential cause of blindness in adults. Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that leads to damage to blood vessels that are located in the retina. Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy may include blurriness, trouble perceiving colors, dark areas of vision, and floaters. Diabetes may cause retinal artery occlusion. This condition causes a blockage in a small artery that delivers blood to the retina. High blood pressure can potentially cause permanent loss of vision by damaging nerves and blood vessels in the eyes.

If you experience any problems including eye pain, floaters, lazy eye (amblyopia), uveitis, astigmatism, conjunctivitis (pink eye), red eyes, nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), retinal detachment, blepharitis, corneal disease, strabismus, pinguecula, retinal disorders, keratoconus, retinitis pigmentosa, sudden loss of vision or blindness, vision problems, chalazion, or droopy eyelids, see your eye doctor right away. Everyone should have regular eye exams to screen for eye diseases and eye problems, but it's especially important to see the ophthalmologist when you are experiencing eye symptoms. Conjunctivitis caused by viruses or bacteria is highly contagious! Wash your hands frequently and do not touch your eyes to avoid spreading it to others.

An eye doctor can examine the corneal tissue, retinal tissue, macular tissue, eyelids, conjunctiva, subconjunctival tissue, and other tissues of the eyes during an eye exam.

Source from Medicine Net