Reading Glasses, Dry Eyes and Floaters: Eyes After 50

What can change with age

Up close. The National Eye Institute (NEI) says presbyopia, trouble seeing things up close, is a normal part of aging. Everyone gets it as they get older, usually after age 45. Many people use over-the-counter reading glasses, or an eye doctor can prescribe lenses.

Floaters. The NEI says almost everyone develops floaters as they get older. Most come and go and often don't need treatment.

Eye diseases. The NEI says the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataract dramatically increases after age 65. You're at higher risk for glaucoma if you're over 60, especially if you're Hispanic or Latino, if you're African American and over 40, or if glaucoma runs in your family.

Sources

• National Eye Institute, "Presbyopia"
• National Eye Institute, "Floaters"
• National Eye Institute, "About AREDS and AREDS2"
• National Eye Institute, "Glaucoma"

The exam that finds problems early

Many eye diseases have no symptoms or warning signs at first. The NEI says a dilated eye exam is the only way to check for eye diseases early, when they're easier to treat and before they cause vision loss.

How often depends on your risk. The NEI says to get a dilated eye exam every 1 to 2 years if you are over 60, if you are African American and over 40, or if you have a family history of glaucoma. Most people with diabetes or high blood pressure need one at least once a year.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends a baseline eye disease screening by age 40, even if your vision seems fine, so future exams have something to compare with.

Sources

• National Eye Institute, "Get a Dilated Eye Exam"
• American Academy of Ophthalmology, "Get an Eye Disease Screening by Age 40"

Screens and tired, dry eyes

The AAO says long hours on a screen won't permanently damage your eyes, but they can leave them tired and dry. People normally blink about 15 times a minute, and only about 5 to 7 times a minute on a screen. Habits that help:

• Blink on purpose. A sticky note on the screen can remind you (AAO).
• Rest your eyes. Every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds (NEI).
• Mind the distance. Sit about 25 inches from the screen, about arm's length, and place it so you look slightly down (AAO).
• Cut the glare, for example with a matte screen filter (AAO).
• Add moisture. Artificial tears when your eyes feel dry, and a humidifier in a dry, warm room (AAO).

Sources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology, "Computers, Digital Devices, and Eye Strain"
• National Eye Institute, "Keep Your Eyes Healthy"

Sun and everyday protection

The NEI recommends sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation, even on cloudy days. Check the label for the UV protection.

The NEI also suggests quitting smoking, which raises the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts and can harm the optic nerve, and wearing safety glasses or goggles for sports, construction work, and home repairs.

Sources

• National Eye Institute, "Keep Your Eyes Healthy"