Your Ever Changing Eyes
Have you ever noticed that your eyes are constantly changing over the years? Granted, different changes occur at different decades in our lives, but we can essentially be assured of changes. In the early years, we want to make sure your eyes are straight, healthy, and that you can see clearly.
Children should be examined yearly because as they grow, there is a greater chance for vision changes. Usually when children are young farsightedness is more common, however as they become teenagers there is a progression towards being nearsighted. Changes in refractive error usually occurs until the mid twenties, when it generally levels off. Smaller changes occur until one reaches the early forties, when presbyopia or the inability to focus near objects becomes an issue. Bifocal powers will continue to get stronger until one reaches the early sixties.
Now as a senior your often notice changes in your vision which accompanies early cataract lens changes. Often patients refer to this second sight since they may no longer need to eyeglasses to see far away. The progression of cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma, are more apparent as one gets older, as well as changes associated with systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid, and arthritis.
Changes in our eyes are inevitable as we age, however by having regular eye exams, changes can be identified and treated early.