Although eye problems can affect anyone, you are more likely to face eye conditions as you age. Some conditions are more common at the age of 40 and older.

Common eye conditions as you get older 

As you age, your eye lens can get stiffer leading to a condition known as presbyopia. This disease makes it hard to focus on nearby objects. Cataracts are also common in older adults. With cataracts, your lens gets cloudy, making it hard to see. To treat this condition, doctors recommend a surgical operation to replace your lens.

Dry eye condition is another age-related disease. It occurs in approximately 15 million adults in the US. As you become older, your eyes might produce insufficient tears. It results in irritation and stickiness in your eyes. To treat dry eyes, doctors use eye drops, a topical drug or an unwanted device to stimulate tear production.

Another eye condition that could occur at 40 is glaucoma. This condition can take longer to be detected as it is painless and has very few symptoms. It appears with damage to the optic nerve and could lead to peripheral or central vision loss. Your doctor can treat you with eye drops, surgery or a laser procedure.

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that causes damage to the retina. It affects people with diabetes. For this reason, doctors need to monitor these patients carefully.

Another disease that causes damage to the retina is Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It involves a specific part of the retina known as the macular. AMD could result in a blind spot in a person’s vision and blurred vision.

A shrinking vitreous causes posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD). As it shrinks, the vitreous starts to tug at the retina. Symptoms of the disease include visual disruptions like a cobweb-like haze. If the vitreous tears entirely from the retina, it could cause loss of vision. To treat the tear, doctors conduct a surgery or laser procedure.

How to maintain eye health

If you want to prevent these eye conditions, it is vital to visit your doctor for regular eye exams. A lifestyle change could also go a long way to ensure your eyes remain healthy. 

You could try a nutritious diet, regular exercise, wearing sunglasses while outside to shield your eyes from ultraviolet rays and reduce drinking and smoking.