Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in General Eye Health on September 2, 2025
One in six Americans aged 65 and older has a vision impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses; yet, many older adults neglect to see an ophthalmologist for regular care. While the risk of eye disease increases with age, many vision-threatening conditions are preventable or manageable when detected early.
This Healthy Aging Month, you can empower yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to protect your sight for years to come. With proper care, regular monitoring, and early intervention, you can take control of your eye health and maintain clear, comfortable vision as you age.
Age-Related Vision Risks
As you age, your eyes undergo natural changes that can affect vision quality and increase the risk of serious eye conditions. The three most significant threats to vision in older adults are conditions that EyeHealth Northwest specializes in treating: glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma affects over 80 million people worldwide. What makes glaucoma particularly dangerous is that many don’t know they have the disease and may not discover their condition until permanent vision loss has already occurred.
Glaucoma is a disease involving damage to the optic nerve, most commonly caused by higher-than-normal eye pressure. When exposed to high intraocular pressures for prolonged periods, the optic nerve fibers become damaged and are unable to relay visual information effectively, starting with peripheral vision.
Without treatment, this irreversible damage progresses to affect central vision and can lead to blindness.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness among Americans age 65 and older. This condition, which involves damage to the macula of the eye, can impair central vision and lead to blindness.
While age remains the most significant risk factor for macular degeneration, genetic factors may also contribute to its development. Current research focuses on identifying genes associated with AMD, which may eventually lead to preventive treatments.
Cataracts
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s normally clear lens, which affects its ability to focus light rays and results in impaired vision. Common symptoms include loss of visual clarity, increased sensitivity to glare, reduced night vision, a need for brighter reading light, and changes in color perception.
While aging is the primary cause, cataracts can also result from diabetes, previous eye injuries, certain medications such as corticosteroids, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, and other eye diseases.
Proactive Steps for Healthy Aging
Protecting your vision as you age requires a proactive approach that combines regular professional care with healthy lifestyle choices. EyeHealth Northwest recommends several key strategies for maintaining optimal eye health throughout your later years:
Regular Comprehensive Eye Examinations
The most important step you can take for your vision health is scheduling regular comprehensive eye examinations with an experienced ophthalmologist. These appointments allow for early detection and diagnosis of problems before they cause irreversible damage.
For adults over 65, EyeHealth Northwest recommends annual eye exams. If you have conditions like diabetes that increase your risk of eye problems, more frequent examinations may be necessary. Early diagnosis enables prompt treatment, helping you maintain clear vision and quality of life.
UV Protection and Lifestyle Factors
Protecting your eyes from ultraviolet radiation with quality sunglasses can slow the development of cataracts and may help prevent the progression of macular degeneration. Avoiding smoking is another crucial factor in maintaining eye health.
Research consistently shows that smoking increases the likelihood of cataracts, glaucoma, dry eyes, and macular degeneration.
Nutrition and Overall Health
Maintaining good overall health has a direct benefit for your vision. Regular exercise and a healthy diet help control blood pressure, which is critical since high blood pressure can damage retinal blood vessels and the optic nerve.
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, zinc, and other nutrients support both vision and overall health.
Take Action This Healthy Aging Month
This Healthy Aging Month, commit to prioritizing your vision health. While you cannot completely prevent the effects of aging on your eyes, you can develop good habits that help maintain your vision with the assistance of the experienced team at EyeHealth Northwest.
Stay on top of your eye health by scheduling an appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today!
