They say with age comes wisdom, but no one mentioned vision problems or age-related eye diseases. Luckily, today’s optical technology offers remedies for common eye problems in adults. Visiting your eye doctor regularly is the best way to keep your eyes healthy, and your vision clear.
Why do I need a yearly check-up?
Each year, your optometrist will perform tests that check for common eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration – issues that pop up more with age. If diagnosed with this eyesight problem, your optometrist can recommend ways to slow the progression of many diseases, including protecting eyes with eyewear like sunglasses.
Over 40? Having trouble reading the small print?
Don’t worry. If you’re over 40, you’re likely experiencing presbyopia, a common eyesight problem that eventually affects everyone. This vision problem happens as eyes change and are less able to focus up-close.
What are multifocal lenses?
You probably remember your grandparents peering at you over reading glasses while scanning the newspaper. For those already wearing prescription glasses, your optometrist can prescribe multifocal lenses. Bifocal glasses and trifocal glasses correct different fields of vision, so you can see-up close, far away and in between with just one pair of eyeglasses.
What about progressive lenses?
With trifocal or bifocal lenses, you’ll notice the obvious lines, but progressive lenses correct vision seamlessly for different fields of vision, so no one will know you’re actually wearing reading glasses. Plus the progressive lenses mimic natural vision more closely.
Can I still wear contacts if things are blurry up-close?
You can slip on reading glasses or talk to your optometrist about multifocal contact lenses. These contacts correct multiple fields of vision just like progressive lenses – and no one will know you can’t read the menu without a little help!
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma, caused by pressure of fluid, can lead to blindness, but when discovered early, vision loss is preventable, or at least slowed.
What are cataracts?
Cataracts are another concern, and cause cloudy or dim vision. Fortunately, cataracts can be surgically removed and vision restored.
Over 60? What is macular degeneration?
For those over the age of 60, macular degeneration is another possible impairment of vision due to old age – it causes distorted vision or shadowy areas in central vision.
What are these flashes or floaters I see?
Tiny specks or dots that float across your field of vision are typically normal, but see your optometrist for any sudden change in the amount or type of flashes and floaters.
Don’t need to see better but want to look better?
Certain eyeglass frames can help camouflage things like crow’s feet. Chic cat eyes or cool rectangular frames can mask fine lines around the eyes, giving you a more youthful appearance. Eyewear designs and features at the temple can also uplift the eye. Want to make your skin tone appear brighter? Play around with different colored lenses.
At Cohen’s Fashion Optical, we not only want to help you see better. We want you to look and feel better.
