How Can I Care For My Aging Eyes?

Over time, the health of our eyes can naturally deteriorate, making vision care much more important. Maintaining healthy eyesight takes a proactive approach—one that often includes regular professional care and healthy daily habits. At Prestera Eye Medical Group, our sole priority is the health of our patients and the quality of eye care that we can provide for them. There are a variety of circumstances individuals may endure in their lifetime that can lead to declining eyesight. At our practice, board-certified ophthalmologist Tory Prestera, MD, PHD and glaucoma specialist Howard Guan, MD emphasize the importance of comprehensive eye exams, preventive care, and early treatment to help patients preserve their vision well into their later years. Dr. Prestera and Dr. Guan can treat patients with cataracts, glaucoma, defects within their retina, issues with their cornea, eyelid growths, and more.

Certain changes to vision are common, even in the absence of disease. Many people notice it becomes harder to focus on nearby objects (a condition called presbyopia), or that they need brighter light for reading. Others may experience more glare sensitivity, slower adjustment to darkness, or a mild decline in color perception. While these changes are generally natural, it’s important to distinguish them from signs of treatable conditions that could cause permanent damage if left unaddressed.

Cataracts and glaucoma commonly develop as people age. In order to treat these vision-impairing conditions, patients must first be diagnosed by a trained professional. In order to be diagnosed with one of these ailments, it is extremely important for patients to keep up with routine eye exams and check-ups. With a condition such as glaucoma, symptoms are often hard to identify until permanent damage has occurred to your eyes and cannot be reversed. Going through regular eye exams with a trained eye doctor can increase the likelihood of the early detection of serious problems and reduce the risks of significant damage that can be caused to your eyes.

When addressing these conditions, our team utilizes a variety of treatments and advanced technologies to increase the overall success rates, the speed of recovery, and the rapidness of the procedure. For example, to enhance and restore your vision, cataracts can be remedied by removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a specialized intraocular lens. Additionally, glaucoma can usually be treated by using an innovative laser surgery that can preserve your vision and prevent further damage.

Dr. Prestera and Dr. Guan stress that routine comprehensive eye exams are one of the most powerful tools for protecting your sight. Even if your vision appears stable, annual or biannual visits allow for early detection of subtle issues before symptoms arise. These evaluations often include measuring eye pressure, examining the optic nerve, assessing the retina, and updating your vision prescription if needed.

In addition to managing existing eye conditions, there are several ways you can support your long-term eye health. A balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as nutrients like lutein and omega-3 fatty acids, can help protect the eyes from age-related conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Wearing UV-protective sunglasses outdoors is also crucial, as long-term exposure to ultraviolet light can accelerate cataract formation and cause other ocular damage.

Lifestyle choices can also play a major role in maintaining vision health. Avoiding smoking, controlling systemic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and managing cholesterol levels can all help reduce the risk of diseases that damage the retina and optic nerve. Getting sufficient rest and staying hydrated also contribute to keeping your eyes comfortable and functioning properly.

With advanced diagnostic technology and personalized treatment plans, Prestera Eye Medical Group helps patients manage eye health at every stage of life. By combining professional care with mindful daily habits, you can keep your eyes clearer, more comfortable, and healthier as you age. If you want to know more about treating eye conditions that may develop as you age, contact our practice today for more information. Taking these steps can make a significant difference in protecting your eyesight for years to come.