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Vision Through the Ages: Part 4 – Adulthood, Middle Age, and Beyond

close up photo of woman's blue eyes, showing eyesight development as we age. Southern Vitreoretinal Associates Blog

Vision Through the Ages: Part 4 – Adulthood, Middle Age, and Beyond

Our eyesight, like many other aspects of our bodies, goes through changes and we move through different stages of life. From the sharp clarity of youth to the adjustments required in adulthood, middle age, and beyond, it is important to grasp these transformations to effectively care for our eyes as we age.

The 3 Stages Of Eyesight Development

  1. Adulthood (20s to 40s)
    During early adulthood, our eyesight is often at its peak. Most people enjoy clear vision without the need for corrective lenses. However, around the age of 40, many notice changes in their vision. This is due to a condition called presbyopia. This is an age-related condition that makes it difficult to focus on close objects, such as when reading or using a computer. It occurs as the lenses in our eyes become less flexible over time.
  2. Middle Age (40s to 60s)
    As we enter middle age, our eyesight continues to evolve and change. In addition to presbyopia, other issues may arise. An issue would be difficulty seeing low light or changes in color perception. Many individuals may also develop nearsightedness and farsightedness, which may require corrective lenses like glasses or contacts. Regular eye exams become more important during this stage to monitor for any developing conditions.
  3. Beyond (60s and beyond)
    As we reach our senior years, the risk of eye diseases and conditions further increases. Cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens, become more common and can significantly impact vision if left untreated, Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease that affects your central vision, and glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve in the back of your eye, also become more prevalent, potentially leading to vision loss if not managed properly. Regular eye exams offer more healthy lifestyle habits. Protective measures such as wearing sunglasses to shield from harmful UV rays become crucial for maintaining eye health in later years.Our eyesight is one of our senses that changes throughout our lives, but mostly during adulthood, middle age, and beyond. Understanding that changes and being proactive about eye care can help preserve vision and quality of life as we age. From getting regular eye exams to adopting healthy habits, taking care of our eyes is part of wellness at every stage of adulthood, middle age, and beyond.

Consult a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist

We understand how important your vision is and our board-certified ophthalmologists are experienced in retina surgery and provide compassionate care. Isn’t it time you started seeing better? Contact Southern Vitreoretinal Associates today to schedule your appointment.

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