Preparing for Your Exam

Posted on: 16 November 2015

As you age, your body goes through certain changes. Unfortunately, some of those changes occur in the eyes. If you're over 40 years old, your vision might not be what it used to be. Colors might not be as vibrant as they once were. Or, you might need more light to read by. You might have also noticed that night driving is a little more difficult due to the increased glare from headlights. While those are all common changes that occur once you hit 40, there are some changes that might be warning signs of more severe vision problems. Here are three vision changes you should be aware of.

Vision Fluctuations

If your vision fluctuates from one moment to the next – meaning it fluctuates between clear and cloudy – your eyes may be warning you about diabetes or hypertension. Both of these diseases can damage the small blood vessels located inside the eye. As the damage occurs, your vision will become cloudier.

Flashes and Floaters

In most cases, floating images in your field of vision are caused by small particles that are actually floating in the fluid around your eyes. However, if the number of floaters you see in your field of vision increases, or if they're accompanied by bright flashes of light, you should see your optometrist as soon as possible. You may be in the beginning stages of retinal detachment, which is a tear in the retina. If left untreated, retinal detachment can lead to permanent vision loss.

Reduced Peripheral Vision

Peripheral vision is the distance you can see to the side. As you age, it becomes more difficult for you to see things that are to the side of you. One way to check your peripheral vision is to perform a simple at-home exercise. Place the tip of your right finger on your nose. Slowly move your finger about 8" away from your nose. Continue looking straight ahead as you move your finger to the right about 18" and then back past your face. Stop when you can no longer see your finger. Repeat the exercise with your left finger. Repeat this exercise once a month to monitor your peripheral vision. If you see significant changes, contact your optometrist. Your eyes may be in the beginning stages of glaucoma.

Now that you're aging, your vision is going to change. Monitoring those changes can help prevent permanent vision loss. If you experience any of the vision changes described above, be sure to schedule a vision screening as soon as possible at a business like Vision Eyeland Super Optical LLC.