Do your vision changes signal an eye disorder?

Vision changes naturally occur with aging. But certain changes may signal a serious eye disorder, leading to vision loss if left untreated.

Some of these eye disorders may be prevented. Even hereditary eye disorders can often be slowed through early detection and treatment. That’s why regular eye exams are so important.

Low vision interferes with your functional abilities in daily life, and regular eyeglasses or contact lenses can’t help you. You simply don’t have enough vision to do what you need to do. Blindness refers to more severe impairment, although you may still have some useful vision.

Vision loss stems primarily from diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 million people in the United States are considered blind, and more than 3 million have visual impairment (low vision).

Learn about these age-related eye disorders and talk to your health care provider if you notice symptoms:

• Presbyopia — With this common age-related problem, the lens within the eye gradually loses its elasticity and its ability to change shape. As a result, it becomes more difficult to focus on close up objects without the help of corrective lenses, such as reading glasses.
• Macular degeneration — Over time, the macula — the part of the retina responsible for central vision — can deteriorate. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans age 60 and older. But potential future treatment may reduce the number of people affected by macular degeneration. Also, evidence suggests that the development of macular degeneration can be delayed. Taking a combination of antioxidant vitamins has been shown to reduce the risk of an intermediate stage of macular degeneration progressing to a more advanced stage. Medications injected directly into the eye also are effective at preserving central vision in individuals with the wet form of the disease.
• Glaucoma — Glaucoma is associated with increased pressure inside the eye. When undetected, the condition can rob you of vision — starting with your peripheral vision and eventually leading to blindness. If glaucoma is diagnosed early, damage to the eye often can be prevented or slowed, particularly with the use of eye drops that help reduce and control internal pressure within the eye. Laser treatment and surgery are dependable options for treating more-advanced stages of the disease.
• Cataracts — A cataract develops from the clouding of your normally clear lens. It’s the leading cause of vision loss in the world. With age, almost everyone experiences cataracts to some degree. In the United States, approximately half of all Americans have cataracts by age 75, and more than 1 million cataract surgeries are performed each year. Surgery to remove the cataract and replace it with an artificial lens is a common procedure with generally excellent outcomes.
• Eyelid problems — Age-related changes in the tissue or muscle of an eyelid may cause an eyelid problem. Sometimes, the problem progresses to the point where it begins to irritate the eye or impair vision. Surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.
• Dry eyes — Tears are essential for lubricating your eyes. Unfortunately, tear production and the quality of tear fluid decrease with aging, often causing stinging, burning and scratchiness in the eyes. Talking to your health care provider can help you find ways to minimize these symptoms.

Join conversations about vision-related topics by heading over to the Eye Conditions group.

Uncover more about common eye issues and tips on how to protect your eyes with a copy of Mayo Clinic Guide to Better Vision.