By Dr. Ross Cusic
September is Healthy Aging Month, and I look forward to it every year because it gives me a chance to talk with my patients about something close to my heart: taking care of our eyes as we get older.
I think about vision every single day in my work. Reading a book, recognizing a loved one’s face, preparing a meal, watching television, driving, or enjoying a favorite hobby all depend on seeing clearly. As we age, taking care of our eyes and noticing changes in our vision can help us keep doing the things that matter most to us. I’m the clinical director at Seattle Low Vision, where I work with people throughout Seattle and Washington who are experiencing vision loss that cannot be fully corrected with ordinary glasses or contact lenses. I’m also the clinical director and primary optometrist at Optical Images, located in the same office, where patients can schedule their routine eye exams and stay on top of their overall eye health.
Why Eye Health Matters as We Age
Getting older does not automatically mean losing your vision. However, I do see the risk of certain eye diseases increase with age.
The National Eye Institute identifies age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy among the conditions that can affect vision as we get older. In my experience, early detection and appropriate treatment can go a long way toward protecting vision and reducing the risk of serious vision loss.
Some age-related changes are fairly common, and I hear about them often from my patients. You may notice that you need more light to read, have trouble adjusting between bright and dim environments, or find that certain activities take more visual effort than they once did. But I always remind my patients that significant vision loss should never simply be dismissed as a normal part of getting older.
Low Vision Is Different From Normal Aging
One reason I encourage patients to pay close attention to changes in their vision is that low vision is not simply a matter of needing a stronger prescription.
Low vision refers to vision loss that makes everyday activities difficult and cannot be adequately corrected with standard glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. Depending on the underlying eye condition, someone with low vision may have difficulty reading, recognizing faces, seeing a television or computer screen, driving, managing medications, or participating in favorite hobbies.
Low vision is more common among older adults because many of the conditions that can cause it become more common with age. However, I want to be clear that aging itself does not cause low vision. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, about 1 in 6 Americans age 65 and older has a vision impairment that glasses or contact lenses can’t correct. That’s a significant number of people in Seattle and across Washington who may need more than a new pair of glasses to accomplish the visual tasks they want and need to do.
Common Eye Conditions That Can Lead to Low Vision
In my practice, I regularly see patients with several eye diseases and aging-related conditions that can eventually contribute to low vision.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, affects the macula and can cause central vision loss. Central vision is especially important for activities that require seeing fine details, such as reading, recognizing faces, or looking at a computer screen. For patients with early or intermediate AMD, I can also prescribe Tozal, an AREDS II-based eye vitamin that research has shown may help slow the progression of certain aging effects on the eyes.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve and may cause gradual changes in peripheral vision. Because some forms of glaucoma can develop without noticeable symptoms in the early stages, I always emphasize the importance of regular eye examinations.
Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy. They can cause blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing clearly. Cataract treatment can restore vision for many people, but some of my patients continue to experience visual challenges because of other eye conditions.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes can affect the retina’s blood vessels and lead to vision loss. I often tell my patients that managing overall health and staying on top of medical and eye care can be an important part of protecting vision.
Regular Eye Care Is Part of Healthy Aging
One of the most important things you can do for your vision as you age is to stay up to date with your eye care.
Many eye diseases don’t cause obvious symptoms in their early stages, which is why I recommend a comprehensive dilated eye examination. This allows an eye care professional to look for signs of disease and determine whether further evaluation or treatment is needed. As the primary optometrist at Optical Images, located right alongside Seattle Low Vision, I make it easy for my patients to schedule their routine eye exams in the same familiar office where they already receive their low vision care.
Healthy habits can also support your overall eye health. The National Eye Institute recommends habits such as eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, avoiding smoking, wearing appropriate sunglasses and protective eyewear, and getting regular eye examinations. For some patients, I may also recommend an AREDS II eye vitamin such as Tozal to help support long-term eye health alongside these habits.
What If Vision Loss Is Already Affecting Your Everyday Life?
Even with regular eye care and treatment, some of my patients experience permanent vision changes from conditions such as AMD, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or other eye diseases. That is where low vision care can make a real difference.
A low vision evaluation looks beyond whether you can read a traditional eye chart. It focuses on how you are using your remaining vision and what you want to be able to do. For example, perhaps you are struggling to:
- Read books, mail, or medication labels
- See your phone or computer screen
- Recognize faces
- Watch television comfortably
- Cook or complete household tasks
- See clearly while shopping
- Enjoy hobbies you once loved
- Navigate familiar places safely
- Continue activities that are important to your independence
Low vision care may include custom prescription glasses, electronic technology, magnification, lighting recommendations, and other strategies designed around your individual needs and goals. My goal is never simply to measure how well you can see. It is to help you make the most of the vision you have.
Healthy Aging Includes Taking Care of Your Vision
Healthy aging is about more than adding years to your life. It is also about maintaining your ability to participate in the activities, relationships, and routines that make life meaningful. Your vision is an important part of that picture.
If you have noticed your vision making everyday activities more difficult, don’t assume you simply have to live with it because you’re getting older. Talk with your eye care professional about your vision changes and ask whether low vision care may be appropriate. For people throughout Seattle and Washington, I and the team at Seattle Low Vision are here to help you explore your options and determine whether a comprehensive low vision evaluation is right for you. If you’re due for a routine eye exam, my team at Optical Images, located in the same office, is happy to help you schedule one.
Call Seattle Low Vision at 425-823-2020 for your free low vision phone consultation today to learn more about low vision care and find out whether a comprehensive low vision evaluation is right for you.