Your eyes change throughout your life, but the years after 60 tend to bring the most significant shifts. Some changes are a normal part of aging, while others are early signs of conditions that — if caught in time — can be managed effectively. Knowing what to look for makes a real difference, and staying proactive with regular eye exams is one of the most important things you can do to protect your vision long-term.
Here’s what we want our patients over 60 to understand about their eye health.
Your Vision Will Change — and That’s Normal
Most people over 60 notice that their eyes don’t adjust to light and distance as quickly as they used to. Reading small print becomes harder, night driving feels less comfortable, and glare from headlights or sunlight may be more bothersome. These are typical age-related changes to the lens and pupil of the eye.
What matters is making sure those changes are monitored. What feels like routine aging can sometimes overlap with the early stages of a more serious condition, which is why annual comprehensive eye exams become even more important as you get older.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults over 60. It affects the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision — and can cause blurry or distorted central vision over time.
AMD often develops gradually and without pain, which means many people don’t notice the early signs. Symptoms to watch for include difficulty recognizing faces, straight lines appearing wavy, or a blurry or blank spot in the center of your vision. Early detection is critical because while AMD cannot always be cured, its progression can often be slowed with the right treatment and nutritional support.
At Valley Eyecare Center, we screen for macular degeneration as part of our comprehensive eye exams and also offer MacuHealth nutritional supplements specifically formulated to support macular health.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” — and for good reason. It typically develops without symptoms until significant vision loss has already occurred. The condition damages the optic nerve, usually due to increased pressure within the eye, and peripheral vision is often the first to be affected.
The risk of glaucoma increases significantly after age 60. A family history of glaucoma, diabetes, or high blood pressure can raise your risk further. The good news is that with regular monitoring and early intervention, most cases of glaucoma can be managed to preserve vision. This is one condition where routine eye exams truly can prevent blindness.
Our team provides ongoing glaucoma management for patients at all stages of the condition.
Cataracts
By age 80, more than half of Americans either have a cataract or have had surgery to remove one. Cataracts form when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurry vision, faded colors, increased sensitivity to glare, and difficulty seeing at night.
Cataracts develop slowly, and in the early stages, updated glasses or better lighting may be enough to help. When they begin to significantly impact your quality of life, surgery is a safe and highly effective option. During your exam, we can monitor the progression of cataracts and let you know when it may be time to consider the next step.
Dry Eye
Dry eye becomes increasingly common with age, particularly in women after menopause. When your eyes don’t produce enough tears — or the right quality of tears — you may experience stinging, burning, redness, or a gritty sensation. Paradoxically, some dry eye sufferers also experience excessive tearing, as the eyes overcompensate for the irritation.
Beyond discomfort, untreated dry eye can affect the clarity of your vision and the health of your cornea over time. Valley Eyecare Center offers several treatment options including IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy for dry eyes, which targets the underlying cause of evaporative dry eye rather than just masking the symptoms.
Diabetic Eye Disease
If you have diabetes, your eyes are at greater risk as you age. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when elevated blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina, and it’s one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults. It can progress without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages.
Annual dilated eye exams are essential for anyone with diabetes. Catching diabetic retinopathy early gives you the best chance of preserving your vision through timely treatment and better blood sugar management.
Floaters and Flashes
Most people notice floaters at some point — those small specks or cobwebs that drift across your field of vision. They become more common with age as the vitreous (the gel-like substance inside the eye) begins to shrink and pull away from the retina.
While the occasional floater is usually harmless, a sudden increase in floaters, especially when accompanied by flashes of light or a curtain-like shadow in your vision, can be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment. This is an eye emergency that requires immediate attention. If you experience these symptoms, contact us right away or visit your nearest emergency room.
What You Can Do
The most important step is simple: don’t skip your annual eye exam. Many of the conditions above develop without obvious symptoms, and a comprehensive exam is the only reliable way to catch them early. Beyond that, a few habits go a long way:
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses outdoors
- Eat a diet rich in leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids, and colorful vegetables
- Manage systemic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol
- Avoid smoking, which significantly raises the risk of AMD and cataracts
- Tell your eye doctor about any changes in your vision, even subtle ones
We’re Here for Every Stage of Your Eye Health
At Valley Eyecare Center, we provide comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages at our two convenient Phoenix locations. Whether you’re due for a routine exam or have concerns about your vision, our team is here to help you see clearly and stay ahead of any changes.
Call our Northern Ave. office at 602-242-6888 or our 44th Street office at te to schedule your appointment — or book online at valleyeyecareaz.com.
