Nearsightedness (Myopia)

Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

Astigmatism

Different Prescriptions in Each Eye (Anisometropia)

How Our Vision Changes Over Time

What are those serious age-related eye conditions?

• Cataracts. Cataracts are cloudy spots that develop on the lens of the eye. They can make your vision blurry or dim and may eventually require surgery to fix.
• Macular degeneration. The macula is a part of your retina that’s responsible for sharp, central vision. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50, and while it doesn’t lead to complete blindness, losing your central vision can make daily activities like reading, driving, or even recognizing faces more challenging. The good news? Routine eye exams can catch AMD early, giving you a better chance to manage the condition and protect your vision.
• Glaucoma. Glaucoma is a name given to a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending visual information from your eyes to your brain. It’s often linked to high pressure inside the eye (called intraocular pressure), though it can sometimes occur with normal eye pressure as well. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss and even blindness. The most common type of glaucoma develops slowly over time, and many people don’t notice symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. While glaucoma cannot be cured, if diagnosed in the early stages, it can be managed and controlled to prevent further damage to your vision. Checking for glaucoma is a great reason to schedule regular eye exams.

What eye symptoms should I watch out for?

• Blurry vision: This can happen for various reasons, from simple tiredness to needing new glasses. If it’s persistent, it’s worth checking with a doctor.
• Floaters and flashes: These little spots or flashes of light are common as we age, but if they suddenly increase, it could signal a retinal issue.
• Trouble seeing at night: Struggling with night vision, especially driving, might mean cataracts or other changes in the eye.
• Dry or irritated eyes: This can happen more with age, especially in dry or windy environments or after long periods of screen time.

How often do I need to see an eye doctor?

• Regular checkups: Even if you’re not experiencing problems, it’s smart to get an eye exam every 1-2 years. After 40, annual exams become even more important.
• Sudden vision changes: If you notice any sudden changes in your vision, such as blurriness, flashes of light, or blind spots, schedule an appointment right away.
• Chronic dry eyes: If over-the-counter eye drops don’t help or if your eyes are frequently red and irritated, it’s time to consult a professional.
• Diabetes or high blood pressure: These conditions can affect your eyes, so if you have them, regular eye exams are critical.

What are the differences among ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians? Does it matter which type I see?

• Optometrists are your go-to for regular eye exams. They are “doctors of optometry” who complete four years of optometry school and can diagnose and treat most eye problems. However, optometrists do not go to medical school. They can prescribe medication that goes in your eye, but not systemic medication that you take orally. They are likely to refer you to an ophthalmologist if they find you have a serious eye condition.
• Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who have completed years of medical training, including medical school and a residency. Ophthalmologists can treat serious eye conditions and perform eye surgeries. Many ophthalmologists have broad practices and perform eye exams as well.
• Opticians can be found any place you purchase prescription eyeglasses. While they don’t perform eye exams, opticians are your go-to for selecting and fitting eyeglasses. They help you pick the right frames, take precise measurements, and ensure your glasses fit just right. If the place you purchase eyeglasses is offering eye exams, it generally means there is an optometrist on site. If you don’t see a Doctor of Optometry diploma, check to make sure the person conducting the exam is a licensed optometrist.

What happens if people who need vision correcting glasses don’t wear them?

• Eye Strain and Fatigue. When your eyes have to work harder to focus, they can get tired more easily. This is especially common for people who are farsighted or have astigmatism. You might experience headaches, sore eyes, or a feeling of fatigue after reading, using a computer, or doing tasks that require focus.
• Blurry Vision. Without glasses, things may appear blurry, which can impact daily tasks like reading, driving, or watching TV. For nearsighted people, distant objects may be unclear, and for farsighted people, close objects may be hard to see. This can lead to difficulty with activities that rely on clear vision, such as driving safely or performing detailed work.
• Difficulty with Night Vision. People who need glasses and don’t wear them might struggle more with night vision, especially for driving at night. Dim lighting can make it even harder for your eyes to focus, and you may notice halos around lights or extra glare.
• Impaired Depth Perception. For people who have different prescriptions in each eye or who rely on one eye more than the other, not wearing glasses can affect depth perception. This can make tasks like walking downstairs or judging distances harder, which may increase the risk of accidents.
• Missed Details and Lower Quality of Life. Without clear vision, you might miss out on details in your environment, like facial expressions, street signs, or the text on your phone. This can make daily life more frustrating and even affect social interactions, work performance, or overall quality of life.

What is LASIK eye surgery? Who should get it?

• Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, or Astigmatism: If you have one of these common vision problems and want to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses, LASIK may be a good option.
• Stable Prescription: Your prescription should be stable (not changing significantly) for at least one or two years before LASIK. If your vision is still changing, LASIK might not be effective long-term.
• Good Eye Health: You need to have generally healthy eyes. Conditions like dry eye, keratoconus (a cornea condition), or thin corneas might make you unsuitable for LASIK. If you have an eye infection or other conditions like cataracts, they should be treated before considering LASIK.
• Age: Most people who get LASIK are between the ages of 18 and 40. Your eyes should be fully developed (typically by age 18), and it’s best to have LASIK before age-related vision issues, like presbyopia (difficulty seeing up close), start to develop around age 40.
• Healthy Overall: People with certain health conditions, like autoimmune diseases, or those taking medications that can affect healing, might not be good candidates for LASIK.

Is it bad to rely on drugstore reading glasses?

Drugstore reading glasses can be helpful in certain situations, but they do have some limitations. Here’s a breakdown of when they’re okay to use and when they might not be the best option:

When Drugstore Reading Glasses Are Okay

• For Temporary Use. If you only need glasses for occasional reading or close-up work (like reading menus, books, or doing hobbies), drugstore reading glasses can be a convenient and inexpensive option.
• Mild Farsightedness: If you have mild presbyopia, which is the normal loss of near vision that happens as we age (typically starting around age 40), these glasses might be sufficient to help you read or work on things up close.

How do you choose what magnification reading glasses you should buy?

• Try different strengths. Many drugstores provide a reading chart that you can use to test different magnifications. Start with a lower magnification, like +1.00, and move up until you find the strength that allows you to comfortably read text at your normal reading distance (usually about 14-18 inches from your face).
• General Age-Based Guidelines: Keep in mind that these are just rough guidelines—your individual needs may vary. 
  • Ages 40–45: +1.00 to +1.25
  • Ages 45–50: +1.50 to +2.00
  • Ages 50–55: +2.00 to +2.25
  • Ages 55+: +2.50 to +3.00
• Test at your normal reading distance. Hold the reading material at a comfortable distance (typically arm’s length). You should be able to read clearly without squinting, leaning in, or moving the text closer or further away.
• If in doubt, start lower. It’s better to start with a lower magnification and see how your eyes respond. If you find that things are still blurry or hard to read, you can move up in strength.

Limitations of Drugstore Reading Glasses

• One-Size-Fits-All Prescription. Drugstore reading glasses are made with the same magnification in both lenses, but many people have different prescriptions for each eye. If you have a significant difference in the strength your eyes need, drugstore glasses may not provide the clarity or comfort you need.
• No Correction for Astigmatism. These glasses only magnify text and objects; they don’t correct for other vision issues, like astigmatism, which causes blurry vision due to the irregular shape of the cornea. If you have astigmatism, drugstore glasses may leave your vision feeling off or strained.
• Eye Strain and Discomfort. If the magnification level isn’t quite right, or if your eyes have different needs, wearing these glasses for extended periods can lead to eye strain, headaches, or blurry vision.
• Overlooking Other Eye Issues. Relying solely on drugstore glasses might mean you miss out on a full eye exam, where an eye doctor could catch other issues like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. Regular eye exams are crucial for overall eye health, even if you feel like your vision is “okay” with drugstore glasses.

How to Maintain Healthy Eyes

• Take screen breaks. The “20-20-20” rule is helpful—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
• Wear sunglasses that block out 100% UV light. Wearing sunglasses isn’t just about looking cool—it’s a crucial step in protecting your eyes from harmful UV light. Long-term exposure to UV rays can increase your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eye cancers. Sunglasses act as a shield, blocking out these harmful rays and keeping your eyes safe.
• Wear protective eyewear in unexpected places. Whether you’re doing home repairs, gardening, or even cooking, consider wearing protective eyewear. Tiny particles from soil, plants, or even splashes of oil can cause eye injuries. A little prevention can go a long way.
• Explore the great outdoors. Spending time outside can reduce your risk of developing nearsightedness (myopia). Natural light and the varied distances you focus on when you’re outside help keep your eyes flexible and healthy.
• Get creative with eye-healthy foods (aka healthy foods). Beyond the usual carrots and leafy greens, try incorporating more colorful foods like bell peppers, berries, and salmon into your diet. These foods are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help protect your eyes from damage.
• Exercise your body. Keeping active helps improve blood circulation, which is great for your eyes.
• Exercise your eyes. Yes, you read that right—there’s yoga for your eyes! Gentle eye exercises, like focusing on a moving object or practicing eye rotations, can help improve flexibility and reduce eye strain.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
• Quit smoking. Smoking can increase your risk of cataracts and damage the optic nerve, which leads to vision loss – as if you needed another reason!

The Bottom Line on Eye Health