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October 10, 2022

Why does our vision get worse over time?

Our vision gets worse as the fibers and muscles in our eyes begin to break down. This can be caused by aging, genetics, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices.

What medical conditions affect your vision?

Diabetes
Thyroid problems
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Macular degeneration
Multiple Sclerosis
Strabismus
Cornea diseases like infections, degeneration, and genetic diseases

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world, while age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss. AMD comes in two varieties: dry and wet.

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What are the 4 types of vision impairment?

Farsightedness (hyperopia)

Farsighted people have a hard time seeing objects that are up close, while far away objects appear clearly. Relatively uncommon, farsightedness affects just 5-10% of Americans. Most children begin farsighted but gradually grow out of the condition.

Nearsightedness (myopia)

Nearsighted people have a hard time seeing objects that are far away. This condition is very common, affecting more than 40% of Americans. This disorder is easily corrected with glasses, or contact lenses.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia comes from a Greek word that literally means “old eye.” It’s your eye’s natural weakening as you get older. Symptoms, like the inability to focus on objects close up, will generally start to appear after the age 40.

Astigmatism

A person is diagnosed with an astigmatism when the surface of their cornea is not spherical, causing the eye to focus on two separate points instead of one. This can cause eye strain, headaches and blurred vision. This condition is easily treated with proper eyewear or contact lenses.

How can I reduce my risk of vision problems?

Most of us will experience some level of vision loss as we get older, but there are a few things you can do in the meantime to protect your eyes.

Quit smoking
Eat right and maintain a healthy weight
Reduce eye strain at work with the 20/20/20 method
Practice workplace eye safety
Wear sunglasses while driving
Schedule regular eye exams

It’s also important to know your family’s eye health history. Genetics play a huge role. If vision problems run in your family, you may be at higher risk for developing those conditions.

When should I schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near me?

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with Wisconsin Vision today:

Eye pain
Headaches
Blurry vision
Itchy eyes
Eye strain or squinting