Vision screening aren’t a substitute for routine comprehensive eye exam in Orlando. Regardless of your physical well-being or your age, routine eye exams are vital to healthy eyes. During an eye exam Dr. Ward and the Team at Lake Nona Eye Care do much more then just establish your prescription for contact lenses or eye glasses. A compressive exam will include checking for eye diseases and other issues leading to vision loss.
Unfortunately, as we get older our vision starts to change. In this article by American Academy of Ophthalmology, they recommends everyone age 40 and over has routine comprehensive eye exams for the safety of their vision.
Here is a summary of common eye conditions and diseases experienced at different stages of adulthood. Some of these changes are normal, age-related developments. Others may be signs of a vision-threatening disease or condition.
Presbyopia
Beginning in the late 30s and early 40s, the lens in your eye loses flexibility, making it difficult to read up close. This condition is called presbyopia (which literally means “aging eye”) and is commonly treated with over-the-counter reading glasses, though other treatments are also available.
Dry eye
Dry eye develops with age and is a common problem for women during pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal changes cause changes in the eye’s tear production. Certain medications can also cause dry eye. If you have dry eye, you may be prone to an eyelid irritation called blepharitis, a common cause of irritation or swelling of the eyelids. In addition to seeing an ophthalmologist, there are many simple things you can do at home to keep your eyes moist.
Diabetic retinopathy
People in their 50s, 60s and 70s with diabetes are most at risk for this disease. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when the small blood vessels inside the retina swell, leak fluid or close off completely due to elevated blood sugar levels. But, you can take steps to prevent diabetic retinopathy with tight control of blood sugar and blood pressure levels. It is also critical to see your ophthalmologist regularly for diabetic retinopathy screening exams.
There are many eye diseases that threaten your sight that don’t have any noticeable symptoms in their early stages, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. Eye exams are crucial in detecting eye issues early, when treatments are most successful.
Contact Lake Nona Eye Care for an appointment or with any questions. Check back with us next week for more vision problems.