Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in Eye Exams on October 21, 2026
Vision problems associated with aging often get less attention than blood pressure or bone health, even though our eyes change just as much with age. Some changes are normal, but others develop slowly and without symptoms and can lead to permanent vision loss if not caught early.
Keep reading to learn more about five common age-related eye conditions, their risk factors, and when to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
1. Cataracts
The natural lens of the eye is responsible for focusing light onto the retina to provide clear vision. Over time, the proteins that make up the natural lens can break down and clump together, making the lens cloudy and scattering light instead of focusing it.
This can make colors look dull, increase glare from headlights at night, and make it harder to read small print. Almost everyone gets some lens clouding with age, and when it starts to affect daily activities like driving or reading, cataract surgery can replace the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one.
2. Glaucoma
Fluid in the eye usually flows in and out at a steady rate, but if it slows down, pressure can build up and slowly damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve is like a cable with about a million fibers that send visual signals to the brain.
Since the damage often starts at the edges of your vision, which most people don’t notice, glaucoma can get worse for years before you realize anything is wrong. The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports risk increases significantly after age 60, so regular pressure checks become more important as you get older.
3. Macular Degeneration
The macula is the small central portion of the retina responsible for the sharp, detailed vision needed to read a face or a street sign. As the eye ages, deposits can form beneath this tissue and thin it, gradually blurring or distorting the center of the visual field while side vision stays intact.
Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 55, and straight lines that start to look wavy are often one of the earliest signs to mention to your eye doctor.
4. Dry Eye
As people get older, the meibomian glands in the eyelid produce less oil to keep their tear film intact, and hormonal changes, certain medications, and lots of screen time can make dry eye worse. If the glands along the eyelid don’t release enough oil, tears dry up too fast and leave the eye exposed.
This can cause burning, a gritty feeling, or blurry vision that clears up when you blink. Dry eye is easier to manage if it’s caught early, since untreated cases can cause lasting changes to the eye’s surface.
5. Diabetic Retinopathy
High blood sugar over many years can weaken the small blood vessels that supply the retina, causing them to leak fluid or blood. This damage is called diabetic retinopathy, and it usually gets worse the longer someone has diabetes. That’s why it’s a significant concern for older adults who have managed diabetes for many years. Getting a dilated eye exam every year is the best way to catch these changes before they affect your central vision.
Ready to Check In on Your Eye Health This October?
Most of these conditions share a common thread: they progress with few early symptoms, and the earlier you catch them, the more treatment options you have. The team at EyeHealth Northwest, an experienced Portland-area practice that offers everything from routine exams to advanced surgical care, screens for each of these conditions during a standard visit. Schedule your appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today.
