Some people experience blurred or distorted vision as they age. This results in the inability to see clearly both near and far away. Blurry vision is characterized as losing sharpness and detail in your vision. Distorted vision is seeing objects as warped, unclear, or oddly shaped. There are several potential causes of blurred or distorted vision, including:
Aging
Aging is a natural process that happens to everyone. As you age, your eyesight isn’t as sharp as it used to be, and you may have difficulty seeing both near and far away. This is due to several factors, including the lens’s hardening, the retina’s thinning, and the decreased production of tears. These age-related changes can cause blurred vision, making it difficult to read or see.
Eye problems due to age usually begin at around age 40 or 50. And even though good lifestyle habits and regular eye exams can help slow down the effects of aging on your eyesight, there’s no way to prevent it entirely. However, it is still recommended to have regular eye exams so that any vision problems can be caught early and treated accordingly.
Dry eyes
Dry eyes occur when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears you do produce are of poor quality. This can lead to irritation, redness, and blurred vision. Dry eyes are a common problem, especially among older adults. However, it can also be caused by certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and painkillers. Environmental factors like wind and smoke can also contribute to dry eyes. The best way to treat dry eyes is to use artificial tears or eye drops. Talking to your eye doctor about your symptoms and possible causes can help you find the best way to treat your dry eyes.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a condition in which the clear, front part of your eye (the cornea) gradually becomes thin and cone-shaped. This change in shape can cause blurred or distorted vision. Keratoconus usually affects both eyes and often begins in adolescence or early adulthood. It is a progressive condition, meaning it gets worse over time. Your doctor may recommend several treatment options, depending on the severity of your keratoconus. These may include eyeglasses or contact lenses and special contact lenses called scleral lenses. However, if the case is severe, they may advise cross-linking surgery for keratoconus. This procedure strengthens the cornea and can help prevent further progression of keratoconus.
Refractive errors
Refractive errors are a vision problem in which the form of your eye prevents light from focusing precisely on your retina, the back part of your eye where images are formed. This can cause blurred or distorted vision. The three most common refractive errors are myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. These three conditions can be treated with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. The condition may get worse if left untreated, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about any vision problems you may be experiencing.
Cataracts
A cataract is an opacity of the lens in the eye. This can cause blurred or distorted vision. Cataracts often form slowly and begin to affect your vision over time. They are more common in older adults but can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, and can be present at birth. Cataracts are often treated with surgery. During this procedure, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, allowing you to see clearly again. But keep in mind that doctors do not usually perform surgery to remove cataracts unless they are causing significant vision problems.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve. This can lead to vision loss or blindness. Glaucoma is often associated with an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), but not all cases of glaucoma are caused by high IOP. In fact, many people with glaucoma have normal IOP. Glaucoma can occur at any age, but it is more common in older adults. It is also more common in African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos. Treatment for glaucoma usually involves medications to lower IOP. In some cases, surgery may also be needed. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss.
Age-related macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that causes vision loss in older adults. It affects the macula, the part of your eye responsible for central vision. AMD usually occurs in both eyes, but often affects one eye more than the other. There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. Dry AMD is the most common type and usually progresses slowly. Wet AMD is less common, but more severe. It happens when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and leak fluid or blood. This can cause vision loss in a short period of time. There is no cure for AMD, but there are treatments that can help slow down the progression of the disease.
Final thoughts
Your eye’s health is a vitally important part of your overall health and well-being. If you experience any vision problems, see an eye doctor right away. While some vision problems can’t be prevented, early detection and treatment can help prevent further damage to your eyesight.
