Welcome to your forties! Eye fatigue in Oshkosh caused by general aging and computer work is likely to be your new reality. Besides this issue, there are other symptoms that will make regular eye exams critical in this decade of your life. You will be able to work efficiently and preserve your eyesight longer if you take care of your eyes now. Here are five age-related eye issues to manage:
- Eye fatigue: Once upon a time, you may have played video games all night without exhaustion or extra eye strain. Now, a mere eight hours of work will give you headaches and make your distance vision blurry. Basically, age and blue light from devices is a nasty mix. You can control this with Essilor Eyezen lenses, which diminish the effects of blue light while also offering vision correction. There are also specialized progressive lenses for desk work if you are employed in a profession that demands long computer use.
- Dry eyes: Shifting hormones can lead to dry eyes after 35. This is especially apparent during dry seasons and computer use. Besides exposing people to blue light, computers also reduce blinking, which is why many office workers suffer dry eyes. Prescription eye drops are frequently necessary for those using contact lenses, and they can reduce discomfort. Also, drink plenty of fluids and consciously try to blink when you feel your eyes drying out.
- Challenges while reading: Reduced reading vision is a common symptom. You will find you require more light as you read a book, or you will hold your smartphone at arm’s length to read an email or Facebook post. Progressive lenses help tremendously with this problem, or you can opt for multifocal contacts. No longer are you limited to lined bifocals—eyewear to help with reading focus can be just as modern and stylish as regular glasses, and there are more options available if you prefer contacts.
- Reduced night vision: As your eyes age, the photoreceptors in the eyes start to diminish. One of the signs of this is that your night vision becomes less sharp. Unfortunately, there is little to be done about this except staying up to date on your prescription lenses. That will keep your vision sharp in all conditions, including at nighttime.
- Eye disease: Cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma become more likely as we age. The good news is that all of these diseases are treatable if they are caught early. Your annual exam includes a pressure test for glaucoma and checks for the early signs of macular degeneration. You may also want to look into prescription sunglasses, as UV rays can contribute to cataracts. Since early detection is a big factor in the successful treatment of sight-reducing diseases, your annual exam becomes much more important than when you were younger.
If you are over 40 and experiencing eye fatigue in Oshkosh, do not endure this discomfort much longer. Dr. Jill’s Optical Shoppe can diagnose symptoms and offer vision correction to make life easier. Contact us today to make an appointment.