Maintaining Eye Health as You Age

As we age, taking care of our eyes becomes more important than ever. Vision changes are a natural part of getting older, but understanding these changes and taking proactive steps can help protect your eyesight for years to come. At Parkway Vision, we’re here to support your eye health every step of the way.
 

How Your Eyes Change With Age

Aging affects every part of the body, including your eyes. You may begin to notice subtle changes in your vision, such as needing more light to read or experiencing difficulty adjusting to glare. Presbyopia, the gradual loss of your eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects, typically begins in your 40s and continues to progress. As you age further, your risk of developing more serious eye conditions increases.
 

Common Age-Related Eye Conditions

Several eye conditions become more common with age:

• Cataracts: A clouding of the eye’s natural lens, often resulting in blurry or faded vision.

• Glaucoma: A group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, often with no early symptoms.

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): A condition that affects the central part of the retina, impacting detailed vision.

• Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the retinal blood vessels caused by uncontrolled diabetes.

• Dry Eye Disease: A condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort, irritation, and blurred vision.It becomes more common with age and can significantly affect quality of life if left untreated.

These conditions can develop slowly and without noticeable symptoms, which makes regular eye exams essential.
 

The Importance of Routine Eye Exams and Retinal Imaging

Annual eye exams are one of the most effective ways to preserve your vision as you age. At Parkway Vision, we use retinal imaging technology to detect early signs of disease before symptoms appear. This allows for timely intervention and can help prevent or minimize vision loss.

Even if your vision seems fine, underlying conditions can develop silently. Retinal imaging gives our doctor a detailed look at the back of your eye, allowing for early detection of issues like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic changes.
 

Protect Your Eyes from UV Damage

Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can accelerate eye aging and increase your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays is a simple yet effective way to protect your eyes every day. Look for wraparound styles or those with large lenses for maximum coverage.
 

Manage Your Overall Health

Many systemic health conditions can affect your eyes. High blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can damage blood vessels in the eyes and lead to serious vision complications. By managing your overall health with proper diet, exercise, and regular medical checkups, you also support your eye health.
 

Stick to Your Ocular Disease Management Plan

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, following your treatment plan is crucial. Whether it involves prescription eye drops, lifestyle adjustments, or scheduled follow-ups, consistency can help slow disease progression and preserve your vision. Dr. Regina Nguyen and her team at Parkway Vision provides personalized treatment plans and ongoing support to help you stay on track.
 

Protect Your Sight at Parkway Vision

Maintaining your eye health as you age isn’t just about preserving vision - it’s about maintaining your independence, quality of life, and overall well-being. With regular eye exams, early detection, UV protection, and proactive management of health conditions, you can keep your eyes healthy for years to come.

Schedule your next eye exam with Parkway Vision to stay ahead of eye conditions before they impact your vision. Visit our office in Houston, Texas, or call (281) 558-1832 to book an appointment today.