The Retina and Aging: What Changes Are Normal and What’s Not

Age can affect our bodies in many ways, and our retinas are no exception. While it's known that eyesight can decline as we get older, the changes occurring in the retina can be easy to overlook — even though they may signal serious, vision-threatening conditions. To safeguard your vision, it's essential to recognize which vision changes are normal, which may indicate a serious condition, and how you can take steps to prevent significant vision loss.

Aging and Retina Changes vs. Signs of Retinal Disease

Many vision changes that occur with age are normal and not a cause for concern. For instance, it's common to experience an increase in floaters, spots, or cobweb-like shapes in your field of vision. You may also find it more challenging to focus on objects up close, take longer to adjust to changes in light, and have difficulty distinguishing between similar colors. Additionally, you may notice that seeing in low light becomes more difficult and that colors appear less vibrant. Many of these changes are related to the natural aging of the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the eye. As it shrinks and shifts, it can cast shadows on the retina and affect visual clarity.

Certain symptoms may suggest more serious retinal conditions, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, and others. These signs can include:

• A sudden increase in floaters and flashes of light in your field of vision
• Sudden or worsening blurry vision
• Dark spots appearing in your central vision
• Straight lines that look wavy
• Difficulty seeing in low-light environments

When to See a Retina Specialist

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to put retinal care on the back burner. Unfortunately, many retinal diseases don't present symptoms until their advanced stages. By the time you become aware of an issue and seek assistance, there may already be irreversible damage to your vision.

Age is one of the biggest risk factors for developing retinal conditions. If you're over 50, scheduling annual comprehensive eye exams is essential. The earlier a retinal disease is diagnosed and treatment begins, the better your vision outcomes will be.

How to Protect Your Vision with Age

While not all vision changes and conditions can be prevented, there are proactive steps you can take to support your eye health as you get older, such as:

• Eating a well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and other foods high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
• Managing diabetes and high blood pressure, as these conditions can contribute to retinal diseases if left unmanaged.
• Quitting smoking, as tobacco use can increase the risk of developing retinal problems.
• Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and a brimmed hat outdoors to reduce your risk of long-term eye damage, including to the retina.
• Seeing a retina specialist regularly, especially if you have a family history of retinal conditions.

Schedule a Retinal Appointment Today

Aging is inevitable, but losing your vision doesn't have to be. At the Retina Group of Florida, our team of retina specialists can diagnose and treat a wide range of retinal conditions, including AMD, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, and more. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment at one of our conveniently located clinics in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater, Port St. Lucie, Sarasota, Naples, and surrounding areas.