Are you experiencing some age-related changes to your vision? Visiting your local Calgary optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam can restore the comfort and health to your eyes.
It is inevitable that age will bring about changes that may affect your eyesight. Some changes are more serious than others, but for most conditions, there are many things you can do to protect the health of your eyes and keep your vision clear.
One of the key things to do is schedule regular dilated eye exams so your optometrist can detect and treat these changes early on.
You should visit an optometrist immediately if you:
- experience sudden vision loss
- see flashes of light
- have eye pain
- have any redness or swelling of your eye
Comprehensive Eye Exams in Calgary
At Market Mall Optometry, we offer eye exams for patients of all ages, including children and seniors. Our qualified optometrists are highly trained in treating age-related vision conditions and we can help ensure the long-term health of your eyes.
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4 Main Age-Related Vision Conditions
Many age-related eye conditions are asymptomatic in the early stages, so it’s very important that you visit your Calgary optometrist for an eye exam at least once a year or the moment you notice any signs of a vision-related problem.
Here are 4 common age-related eye conditions everyone should be aware of:
1. Cataracts
One of the most common causes of vision loss in people over the age of 40, cataracts are the principal cause of blindness in the world. The good news? If detected early through an eye exam, cataract surgery is a safe and effective way to restore clear vision.
At Market Mall Optometry, we offer cataract management services to help keep your vision healthy and clear.
What causes age-related cataracts? Cataracts are an inevitable part of aging and develop as a result of changes in the structure of the lens, causing it to become less transparent and resulting in blurry/misty vision.
2. Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a painless eye condition that causes patients to lose their central vision, typically in both eyes. During a dilated eye exam, your optometrist will look for signs of AMD and if found, there are several treatment options to slow its progression.
The early diagnosis and treatment of AMD are essential for reducing the risk of severe vision loss. If you’re experiencing any changes in your eyesight such as blind spots or distorted images, visit your optometrist immediately.
What causes AMD? Macular degeneration develops when the macula (responsible for central vision) is unable to function as effectively as it used to.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
3. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness across the globe and occurs when your optic nerve becomes damaged. If it’s not detected and treated early, it can lead to complete vision loss.
Because this eye condition is typically asymptomatic in its early stages, you MUST vision your optometrist regularly as only a dilated eye exam can determine the presence of glaucoma. At Market Mall Optometry, we offer comprehensive glaucoma testing to preserve your vision and improve your quality of life.
What causes Glaucoma? This eye condition is usually caused by a blockage in the part of the eye that allows fluid to drain from it. This can lead to a buildup of eye pressure, eventually damaging your optic nerve.
4. Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is an eye condition which is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the retina. It can cause blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated.
If you have diabetes, make sure to have a diabetic retinal examination at least once a year. In addition, keeping your blood sugar levels under control can prevent this eye condition or slow its progression.
What causes diabetic retinopathy? The retina requires a constant blood supply, which it receives through a network of tiny blood vessels. Over time, a persistently high blood sugar level can damage these vessels, causing harmful changes to the back of the eye.
Learn More
To find out more about our comprehensive eye exams and how our Calgary optometrists can help protect your vision as you age, contact our eye clinic at 403-286-4884 or book an eye exam.
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