Eyes age just like our bodies, but many people don’t realize it. As we get older, it’s important to recognize that we are more susceptible to conditions that can impair our vision. At Memphis Eye & Cataract Associates in Memphis, we can help you identify and treat conditions that commonly affect the aging eye.

Common Conditions

Below are some of the most common issues that older adults deal with.

• Refractive errors- A refractive error means that your eye does not bend or focus light properly. This can cause blurry vision. Common refractive errors are myopia, which is another name for nearsightedness. With myopia, you can see things that are close to you but have trouble seeing things that are far away. The other common refractive error is hyperopia, which is farsightedness. This means you can see things that are far away but have trouble seeing things that are close to you.
• Glaucoma- This condition affects the optic nerve and is usually caused by increased pressure in the eye. It affects more than three million adults across the country and can eventually lead to blindness.
• Macular degeneration- The macular is the central portion of the retina, and macular degeneration is the deterioration of this area. This can lead to blurry vision and even blindness.
• Cataracts- A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens caused by a build-up of protein. It’s a very common condition, affecting more than 24 million adults in the United States.
• Diabetic retinopathy- This is a condition that damages the blood vessels in the retina and is caused by diabetes. It’s another leading cause of blindness in adults.

It’s essential to have comprehensive eye exams as we age because these conditions have no early warning signs. Early intervention is better for treating eye diseases.

Call Our Ophthalmologists in Memphis

If you’re concerned about any of these conditions or if you’re experiencing vision changes, contact Memphis Eye & Cataract Associates. We can help you get the treatment you need to protect your vision. Call our team today at (901) 767-3937 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.