If you’re wondering why your vision isn’t as sharp as it used to be, you aren’t alone. Eyesight changes can be concerning, especially if they develop suddenly out of nowhere. It’s natural to wonder whether or not you’re dealing with an eye emergency. But why is your eyesight getting worse, and what can you do about it?
Some common reasons your eyesight is getting worse include:
- Eye strain
- Presbyopia
- Cataracts
- Diabetes
- Age-related macular degeneration
Eye Strain
If your vision seems worse after spending too much time in front of screens, you might be dealing with a condition called digital eye strain. With the increased use of computers, phones, tablets, and more, this condition is becoming more popular than ever.
Digital eye strain occurs when your eyes grow tired from staring at screens for long periods. Symptoms associated with digital eye strain include:
- Blurry vision
- Headaches
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Constant discomfort
You can find relief by taking regular breaks—try to take a 20-second break every 20 seconds and look at something 20 feet away. This gives your eyes a chance to relax and realign themselves. If your symptoms persist, visit your optometrist.
Presbyopia
Near the front of your eye, you have a small natural lens. This is like the lens of a camera, changing its shape to help you focus on objects at different distances. As you age, this lens slowly loses its elasticity, and it starts to struggle adjusting properly.
This refractive error, called presbyopia, is an age-related concern that primarily affects your ability to focus on nearby objects. It typically begins around the age of 40 and worsens over time, and is easily recognizable by:
- Difficulty reading small print
- Needing to hold reading materials farther away
- Blurred vision at close distances
- Eye strain or fatigue when doing close work
Fortunately, presbyopia is treatable. Your optometrist can provide you with a new prescription for bifocal or multifocal lenses that restore your vision for various distances.
Cataracts
Cataracts are an age-related condition where the eye’s natural lens becomes clouded. Proteins inside the eye break down and clump together, creating small obstructions in your vision. This is an extremely common eye concern, often considered a normal part of aging, and it is most often found in people over 60.
The early signs of cataracts include:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Halos around lights
- Fading or yellowing of colours
- Frequent changes in prescription glasses or contact lenses
If left untreated, cataracts can lead to significant vision loss. Fortunately, through simple cataract surgery, an experienced surgeon can remove your eye’s clouded lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens to restore your vision.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Your retina—the light-sensitive group of cells located near the back of your eye—is one of the key parts of your visual system. Light focuses on this tissue before being sent through the optic nerve as information.
One important part of the retina is the macula, the area responsible for clear central vision. As you age, the macula can weaken and become thinner. This condition, called age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is divided into 2 categories:
- Dry AMD, which progresses slowly and causes gradual vision loss. This is recognizable by blurred vision or blank spots in your central vision and makes up most cases of AMD.
- Wet AMD, which is more aggressive and can cause sudden vision loss. This condition causes abnormal blood vessels to grow in the retina, causing permanent damage to your vision.
While there is no cure for AMD, early detection and treatment can help slow its progression. Your optometrist can provide guidance on lifestyle changes, dietary supplements, and other treatments to help preserve your vision.
Diabetes
Diabetes—a chronic condition that affects how your body processes and uses insulin—is well-known for its effect on blood sugar levels. However, it often damages blood vessels in the sensitive areas of your body, and the eyes are no exception.
Diabetes can lead to a variety of eye complications, such as a condition called diabetic retinopathy. This often develops slowly, with mild swelling of the tissue and blood vessels, before eventually leaking fluids into the eye and permanently damaging the retinal tissue. The early signs of diabetic retinopathy include:
- Blurry vision
- Dark spots in your vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Fluctuating vision
- Frequent changes in prescription glasses
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult your optometrist as soon as you can. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve the chances of preserving your vision and help prevent more serious complications.
Are Vision Changes Normal?
If you’re dealing with sudden changes in your vision, don’t leave the problem unaddressed. While some vision changes are a normal part of aging, others can be a sign of underlying health issues that require prompt attention.
At White Oaks Optometry, we know how to recognize the signs that something’s wrong, and our team is here to use their experience and keep your vision clear. Book an appointment with us today to help keep your vision healthy!
