Why Do Eyes Deteriorate and What Can I Do About it?

Aging is the foremost reason why eyes deteriorate. Over time, eyes change shape to focus the right amount of light on the retina. Yet these changes in the eye can lead to myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia. 

While some of this deterioration is hereditary, other factors such as your job or the climate where you live can have an adverse effect. In this article, you’ll learn just why your eyes deteriorate and what you can do to amend the problem.

Why Eyes Deteriorate in Old Age

Presbyopia is the main reason why most people suffer from eye deterioration in old age. As you age, your eyes begin to lose their elasticity, which is also known as presbyopia. 

This reduces your eyes’ ability to focus, resulting in a thicker, more convex lens. Other causes of eye deterioration in old age is a mix of genetics. Glaucoma, or cloudiness of the lens, and macular degeneration can also cause vision problems.

Why Eyes Deteriorate in Youth

Like the rest of the human body, eyes must grow to their adult size. However, eyes also change shape to allow more light to reflect onto the retina. Unfortunately, the limited flexibility of the eye in youth means that both myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness) can occur. In some cases, vision can improve as children reach adulthood when the eye becomes more flexible and bends the light correctly.

eyes-deteriorate

Eye Strain

Sometimes the poor vision is temporary yet alarming. If you suffer from blurry vision at times, the cause could be eye strain. Eye strain is the direct result of focusing your eyes on one thing for too long of an interval. In most cases, sitting at a computer is the culprit. When you notice blurry vision from a computer, start taking breaks every 20 minutes. Oftentimes, this will cure the problem.

Other Signs of Eye Deterioration

While nearsightedness and farsightedness are two of the most common eye problems, you should also look for other signs that your vision is worsening. Some of these signs and causes include:

  • Distorted images as caused by macular degeneration.
  • Loss of peripheral vision caused by glaucoma.
  • Floaters and flashes caused by a detached retina.
  • Fluctuating vision could be the cause of high blood pressure or diabetes.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your eye care professional as soon as possible.

What Can I Do About Eye Deterioration?

One of the most crucial things you can do to prevent eye deterioration is to schedule a regular appointment with your eye doctor. An annual or semi-annual checkup can help identify potential problems and come up with a solution such as corrective lenses or eyeglasses which can hinder an active lifestyle and every day comfortable life.

Dr. Alexandra Chebil has performed over 70,000 laser vision correction treatments due to eye deterioration.  Sufferers of myopia, presbyopia, and hyperopia can often undergo LASIK and live without the hassle and inconvenience of eyeglasses or contacts.

While the genetic and hereditary factors surrounding eye deterioration are inevitable, taking care of your eyes and following up with a doctor are the top methods to prevent permanent or catastrophic eye conditions. Schedule an appointment today to see if Lasik is right for you and can correct your deteriorating vision.