When Do Eye Conditions Typically Develop?
Many people are born with vision impairment problems or develop them at a young age. These patients are accustomed to undergoing routine eye exams to monitor eye health and function. However, other people are fortunate enough to enjoy good eye health and clear vision. Unfortunately, good eye health is not something that should be taken for granted, because it can change at any time. In fact, many eye conditions develop later in life.
Routine eye exams monitor eye health so that eye conditions and diseases can be diagnosed and treated early, before permanent damage develops. Experienced optometrist Walter Choate can advise patients on when eye conditions typically develop during consultations at his Nashville, TN practice. Here, patients can learn when some of the most common eye conditions are likely to develop, and what can be done to maintain good eye health.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a loss of vision that affects up-close vision, particularly that which is used for reading or working on a computer. Presbyopia is an age-related condition. Presbyopia develops in individuals age 40 and above. However, the condition can develop much sooner. Some people may notice a deterioration of reading vision as early as their late 30s.
Cataracts
Cataracts refer to a cloudiness that affects the natural lens of the eye. Cataracts are common and are the leading cause of blindness in senior citizens. Over half of Americans will have developed cataracts by the time they reach their 80s. Although cataracts are an age-related condition, a person doesn’t have to be a senior to be affected by this disease. Many individuals begin developing cataracts while they are in their 40s or 50s, but they are likely to be small at this time and may not affect vision. However, as the patient ages, the cataracts will grow, and can eventually lead to vision loss or complete blindness.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition in which increased eye pressure leads to damage of the optic nerves. This damage can result in vision loss or blindness. Glaucoma can affect any individual and may develop at any time. However, the risk of glaucoma increases as a person ages. Individuals who have a family history of glaucoma, or those with other risk factors, should undergo regularly monitoring for the disease once they reach their 40s. Even if no other factors are present, the risk of glaucoma increases once a person reaches his or her 60s.
Retinal Disorders
The retina is the layer of tissues that sits at the back of the eye. The retina plays an important role in a person’s vision. These tissues process the light that enters the eye and send signals to the brain to create an image. There are various conditions that can affect the retina and compromise a person’s vision, including retinal detachment, retinal tears, and macular degeneration. All of these conditions are most likely to develop when a person is in their middle age or seniors.
While many eye conditions are most likely to affect individuals who are in middle age or older, eye diseases can develop at any time. The best way to preserve eye health and protect against permanent damage from these conditions is to maintain a schedule of routine eye exams. Dr. Choate is happy to provide eye care services that promote eye health and prevent permanent vision loss for patients.
Contact Us
If you are looking for a trusted and experienced optometrist to provide quality eye care, look no further then Dr. Walter Choate. Dr. Choate offers a comprehensive range of eye care services that will preserve the health and function of your eyes. To learn more about these services, contact us at your earliest convenience.
