A lot can change with our bodies over time, and it’s normal for our vision to be one of these changes as we get older. Some of the first signs of changing vision come in the form of needing reading glasses to view smaller print and requiring better, brighter lighting. Some people may also notice that they have trouble making out certain colors as well as trouble focusing on objects.

Some of the most common eye conditions to appear in elderly individuals include:

• Cataracts—a cloudy area that covers part or all of the eye’s lens.
• Glaucoma—damage to the optic nerve that can include an increase in pressure.
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)—gradual loss of sharp vision.

There is a lot that can be done to prevent and manage common eye conditions. Joshua Herz, MD, Ophthalmologist, gives the following advice on what to look for to identify eye problems early:

• Sudden change in your vision. This may include blind spots, blurriness and increased sensitivity to light.
• Swelling and pain in and around the eye.
• Flashing lights or floaters . Floaters appear as specks or spots in your line of vision. They are often normal, so if a change is noted it may be a sign of another issue. 
• Loss of central or peripheral vision.
• Wavy lines (resembling street dividing lines).

Many eye conditions and diseases do not have symptoms. For this reason, it’s important to see an eye care professional for a comprehensive dilated eye exam.

What do you do to keep your eyes healthy?