Most people rely on their vision on a daily basis, whether performing work tasks, driving down the road, or practicing a favorite hobby. If the health of the eyes is threatened, eyesight is likely to deteriorate, making it much more difficult to complete day-to-day tasks without the assistance of prescription lenses.
Unfortunately, everyone is susceptible to eye conditions and diseases. At his eye clinic, Dr. Raul Peña offers diagnosis and treatment of the most common eye conditions, including cataracts, which cloud over the natural lens of the eye. Patients often ask Dr. Peña, when common eye conditions develop.
For our McAllen, TX patients, these types of conditions can develop at any time, so routine eye care should always be a priority. However, there are timeframes in which common eye conditions typically develop. Here, we go over some of the conditions that may affect our patients, and when they are most likely to begin.
Eye Conditions and Age
It is impossible to tell a patient exactly when, or if, an eye condition will develop and threaten the health and function of their eyes. However, evidence does show that the risk of the most common eye conditions increases as a person ages. By understanding the timeframe in which these conditions typically develop, patients can be more aware of their overall eye health and any symptoms that may be signs of a problem.
Below are some of the eye conditions Dr. Peña most commonly sees in patients, along with the age at which the risk of these conditions increases:
- Cataracts: Cataracts are a buildup of proteins that causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy. As cataracts progress, vision will become hazy and unclear. Cataracts can develop at any time, but they are most common in older individuals. The risk of cataracts increases once a person reaches the age of 60 and continues to go up from there.
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma is caused by damaged optic nerves, which are most commonly the result of increased eye pressure. Glaucoma can affect an individual at any time, especially if they have a genetic link to the condition. However, the risk of glaucoma increases significantly when a person reaches the age of 60.
- Age-related macular degeneration: Age-related macular degeneration is a loss of central vision that is most often a result of aging. This condition most commonly develops when a person is 60 or older, but it can begin earlier, especially if there is a family history of the condition.
- Vision impairment: The most common forms of vision impairment are nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These refractive errors are usually detected in childhood. While most eye conditions worsen as a person ages, many people see a stabilization in their prescription needs once they reach their 20s.
- Presbyopia: Presbyopia is a loss of up-close vision, or that used for reading. Unlike other forms of vision impairment, presbyopia is directly linked to a person’s age. Presbyopia often sets in once patients reach their 40s, and is likely to get worse from there.
The Importance of Routine Eye Care
Any eye condition can be treated or controlled if it is caught early enough. Routine eye exams are vital to diagnosing such conditions and determining the most appropriate treatment technique. We recommend that patients undergo a comprehensive eye exam at least once every two years. However, as a person ages and the risk of eye conditions increases, we often suggest scheduling exams once a year. These examinations are the best way to preserve the health and function of the eyes.
Schedule an Appointment
At Peña Eye Institute, we offer laser treatment for some of the most common eye conditions. If the health or function of your eyes has been compromised, schedule an appointment with Dr. Peña at your earliest convenience to learn how these services can restore your vision.
