This is why regular eye exams matter as vision changes with age

(Aging Untold) — Vision changes can be easy to brush off until everyday tasks — such as reading small print or seeing clearly at night — become more difficult.

Changes may be common with age, but eye exams can reveal more than vision problems and protecting your eyesight can help preserve independence.

Night vision changes and glare can be early warning signs

“Some of the symptoms that people will get will be like changes in the vision at nighttime,” Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, said.

Others experience difficulty with reading or glare.

“Or they have to adjust the distance from which they’re reading, either too close or too far. And there’s something that’s changing.” Rogers said.

Rogers said people may assume these changes are simply a normal part of getting older, but don’t dismiss vision changes as an inevitable part of aging. Some eye diseases can offer early signs of what is happening elsewhere in the body.

Eye exams can offer clues about overall health

Rogers said the eyes are among the body’s most energy-demanding organs.

Conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can increase oxidative stress, which Rogers described as damage to the mitochondria — the cells’ powerhouses.

Damage to mitochondria can contribute to deterioration in the eyes, Rogers said.

She recommends at least one regular eye exam once a year — at a minimum.

An exam might also reveal signs associated with diabetes, autoimmune diseases and blood pressure issues, gerontologist Sam Cradduck said. That means an exam is not only about checking whether someone needs a stronger prescription or reading glasses.

Amy shares a personal story

Aging expert Amy O’Rourke shared a personal story of how an eye exam prompted by difficulty with headlights led doctors to find a mole in the back of her eye that they are monitoring.

“I would encourage anybody to get regular eye exams because you just don’t know what’s going on,” O’Rourke host said.

The major eye conditions

Rogers said glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration are three major eye conditions to watch for.

Medicare coverage for vision care can be limited, but cataract treatment is covered, O’Rourke said.

Family history can also be important, especially for people whose relatives have had macular degeneration or glaucoma.

“If you’ve got a family history, your eye issues like macular degeneration and glaucoma, then you for sure ought to be very active in your eye care,” O’Rourke said.

The potential consequences of losing vision make eye care an important investment.

“You lose so much if you lose your vision,” O’Rourke said.

Protecting vision can help preserve independence

Vision affects more than the ability to read a label or drive at night. Ambrose said losing vision can affect a person’s ability to remain in their own home as well as everyday independence.

“This is really about independence,” Ambrose said. “Because when you lose vision, it can affect your ability to stay in your own home. It can affect just absolutely everything.”

Ambrose encouraged people to consider what steps they can take when changes begin.

5 key takeaways about aging and eye health

1. Do not assume every change is normal aging. Some changes in vision may be connected to broader health concerns.
2. Schedule regular eye exams. Dr. Rhea Rogers recommends exams at least once a year, while noting that people with conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure may need particular attention to eye care.
3. Know your family history. A family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration can make it especially important to be proactive about eye care.
4. Think about independence. Protecting vision can help support everyday activities and the ability to remain in your own home.

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