Kids can be pretty vocal when they&rsquo;re hungry, grumpy or just plain ol&rsquo; tired, but when it comes to vision problems&mdash;such as difficulty making out the writing on the blackboard, or blurry-looking words in their book&mdash;they may be less likely to speak up.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) says that 80% of the way in which children learn occurs visually, making good vision crucial to a child&rsquo;s education and development. According to Ruchika Ranasinghe, MD of <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/group/sunrise-childrens-hospital">Sunrise Children&rsquo;s Hospital</a> in Las Vegas, Nevada, vision issues typically emerge between the ages of seven to nine. Poor vision may lead to poor academic performance, low-self esteem and behavioral problems, such as procrastinating or making excuses for tackling homework.

And it&rsquo;s not unusual for parents to be unaware that their child has trouble seeing. &ldquo;A lot of the time, parents don&rsquo;t realize,&rdquo; says Dr. Ranasinghe. &ldquo;Often it&rsquo;s their child&rsquo;s teacher who notices, like if the child has to sit in the front of the class to be able to see the board.&rdquo; And while school-aged kids are typically diagnosed with eye issues more often than toddlers, eye conditions like crossed eyes and <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/amblyopia-lazy-eye/what-is-lazy-eye-amblyopia">lazy eye</a> can start developing between the ages of 2 and 5.

The sooner a vision problem is detected and treated, the more likely treatment will be successful. With some insights from Ranasinghe, we&rsquo;re sharing tips for recognizing behaviors that could signal vision problems, along with ways to ensure your child maintains gold-star eye health.

Signs that your child may be visually impaired include:

<ul>
	<li>Consistently sitting close to the TV or holding a book too closely</li>
	<li>Squinting, blinking or closing one eye repeatedly</li>
	<li>Tilting the head to one side to try to see better</li>
	<li>Frequent eye rubbing while doing activities</li>
	<li>Sensitivity to light and/or frequent headaches</li>
	<li>Losing his or her place while reading</li>
	<li>Avoiding reading and other close-up visual work</li>
	<li>Becoming irritated when doing visual work</li>
	<li>Poor hand-eye coordination</li>
</ul>

If your child displays or complains about any of these symptoms, take your child for an evaluation from an eye doctor, pediatrician or family physician. &ldquo;Pediatricians see kids at their routine visits and if we notice any decrease in their visual acuity&mdash;like an eye deviating to either side&mdash;then we would refer them to an optometrist or an ophthalmologist,&rdquo; says Ranasinghe.

Here are three simple ways to boost your child&rsquo;s eye health:

1. Make sure your child gets a comprehensive eye exam. Children should get their first eye exam as newborns, again as infants between 6 months to a year old, and then once more as a toddler between the ages of 3 and 3 1/2. Once children reach school age, the AOA recommends they undergo a comprehensive eye exam at least once every two years -- even if a child successfully passes a school vision screening with 20/20 vision. A vision screening can actually miss up to 60% of children with other vision problems. Vision screenings are limited because they only test for visual acuity, while comprehensive eye exams check for other eye issues such as lazy eye, glaucoma, cataracts and more.

2. Limit your child&rsquo;s exposure to screens and electronic devices. In 2015, a panel of U.S. ophthalmology experts suggested that excessive computer time in kids may contribute to childhood <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/myopia-nearsightedness">myopia</a>, or nearsightedness, where kids have a hard time seeing objects farther away. &ldquo;A prolonged amount of TV watching, or just staring at the computer or iPad for too long, may tire your child&rsquo;s eyes and potentially make vision worse,&rdquo; explains Ranasinghe.

3. Protect your child&rsquo;s eyes from the sun. Just as we need sunscreen to protect our skin, your child&rsquo;s eye health can stay safe by wearing sunglasses when outside for long periods of time on sunny days, says Ranasinghe. For younger children who won&rsquo;t cooperate with sunglasses, a hat can also help shield their eyes.&nbsp;

Medically reviewed in July 2018.

9 Warning Signs Your Child Has Vision Problems

Your eyes work closely with your brain to help you see, and any interruptions in the circuit could spell trouble for your vision.

At the most basic level, the retina, a layer of tissue in the back of the eye, is responsible for capturing the light we see and sending it through the optic nerve to the brain, where the images we see are processed. But what happens when a portion of the retina&mdash;more specifically, the macula&mdash;doesn&rsquo;t work as it should? This is known as macular degeneration, and is the leading cause of irreversible impairment of close-up vision&mdash;responsible for reading&mdash;among people 65 and older.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/macular-degeneration/definition-of-macular-degeneration">Macular degeneration</a> affects the center of a person&rsquo;s vision&mdash;typically the area of sharpest vision&mdash;and destroys the ability to see objects clearly. Peripheral vision is not affected by macular degeneration. In early cases, vision may become blurred, and can progress to complete loss of sharp vision in those with advanced cases. Those with severe macular degeneration are considered legally blind. &nbsp;

Types of Macular Degeneration 
Macular degeneration develops in two forms: wet and dry. A majority of cases&mdash;between 85 and 90 percent&mdash;are dry. Dry macular degeneration is categorized by the breakdown of the macula and the supportive tissue. Dry macular degeneration may begin in one eye before affecting both, and, over time, may affect a person&rsquo;s ability to read and recognize faces. Other symptoms include hazy vision and the need for bright lights to see clearly. Dry macular degeneration doesn&rsquo;t always lead to complete loss of vision, however.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Although less common, wet macular degeneration affects between 10 and 15 percent of those with the condition. This form of the disease begins like dry macular degeneration. In later stages,&nbsp;abnormal blood vessels behind the retina&nbsp;leak blood or fluid into the macula. This form of macular degeneration happens more suddenly, and can be more severe. Symptoms of wet macular degeneration include distorted vision, dark spots in your vision and the inability to view colors as brightly. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Stages of the Disease 
Macular degeneration progresses over time. There are three stages: early, intermediate and late. These stages are categorized by the size and number of <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/drusen">drusen, fatty, yellow deposits</a> beneath the retina. Although drusen don&rsquo;t cause macular degeneration, the presence of these deposits ups your risk for the condition.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Early: Vision loss is unlikely during the early stage of macular degeneration, a period where drusen are about the width of a human hair. Drusen are detected and measured during an eye exam, making regular examinations important. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Intermediate: By this point, drusen are large and there may be changes in the pigment of the retina. The occurrence of both are possible. These changes cannot be detected with the naked eye&mdash;an exam is necessary. Although vision loss during the intermediate stage is possible, it may not even be noticeable. &nbsp;

Late: During the later stages of macular degeneration, vision loss becomes apparent. This loss of sight is caused in one of two ways: the deterioration the macula and surrounding tissue (dry) or leakage of abnormal blood vessels into the macula (wet).

Causes and Risk Factors 
There is no definitive cause of macular degeneration, but experts believe a combination of environmental and genetic factors are to blame. Macular degeneration is more common among older adults and is more common among Caucasians than members of the Hispanic or African American population. In 2010, Caucasians comprised nearly 90 percent of macular degeneration cases. A family history of the condition also ups your risk.

Your genes aren&rsquo;t entirely to blame, however. Smoking, obesity and cardiovascular disease have also been linked to a higher risk of macular degeneration.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Diagnostic Process 
Macular degeneration is diagnosed with an eye exam. Your doctor will likely identify any changes to the retina or macula, including the appearance of drusen and changes in pigmentation. Through a series of procedures, your ophthalmologist will also look for the presence of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina. The presence of these abnormalities may warrant a diagnosis of macular degeneration.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Treatment and Prevention Options 
There is no cure for macular degeneration, and vision loss can&rsquo;t be restored with treatment. Lifestyle changes, vitamins, injections and surgery may be possible treatment options, depending on the severity of the condition.

Certain lifestyle changes, like <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/macular-degeneration/article/nutrients-that-prevent-macular-degeneration">enjoying a nutritious diet</a> rich in leafy greens and fatty fish, kicking your smoking habit and getting more exercise may prevent macular degeneration and could help slow the progression of the disease.

The <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/macular-degeneration/which-supplements-prevent-macular-degeneration">Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS)</a> found certain vitamin supplements&mdash;including vitamins C and E, zinc and copper&mdash;may slow the progression of the condition in those with intermediate and late stage macular degeneration. But don&rsquo;t go running to the pharmacy before speaking with your doctor.

There are other treatment options for wet macular degeneration, such as injections and laser surgery or therapy. Although these treatment options won&rsquo;t cure the condition, they may prevent further vision loss, by stopping the leakage from abnormal blood vessels.

Drugs that prevent the growth of abnormal blood vessels may be injected directly into the eye over the course of several months. Varying types of lasers may also be used to close the openings of abnormal blood vessels to prevent further leakage into the retina. Laser treatments are less common than other treatment options, and may result in some permanent damage to healthy tissue.

Not all treatment options are safe for everyone, but low vision rehabilitation may be beneficial to many. Macular degeneration generally doesn&rsquo;t cause total blindness, but it can diminish your ability to do things like drive and read. Your eye doctor, rehabilitation specialist and occupational therapist can help you find ways to live with your changing vision.

Medically reviewed in August 2018.

What You Need to Know About Macular Degeneration

You take in the world with your eyes&mdash;from paint colors to the perfect autumn sky&mdash;but did you know your eyes also allow for a unique look inside your body?

It&#39;s true. Your eye doc can learn a lot about your health by looking at the blood vessels and nerves in the backs of your eyes. They can provide clues about what&#39;s going on in the rest of your body. Here are just a few examples:

A sign of blood pressure problems: If the blood vessels in your eyes look stiff, form kinks or loops, or look bronze or gray instead of the usual red color, it could be a sign of high blood pressure or diabetes. These two conditions can harm your retinas, causing fluid buildup and bleeding that changes the look of the blood vessels there.

A sign of autoimmune disease: Blocked blood vessels or inflammation of certain structures in the eyes can sometimes be signs of autoimmune disease. These problems may cause symptoms like vision problems, pain, sensitivity to light, and red, itchy eyes. But keep in mind that symptoms like these are relatively common and most often are not associated with autoimmune disease. Still, see your doctor if your eyes are uncomfortable.

A sign of infection: Doctors can&#39;t use eye symptoms alone to diagnose an infection. But sometimes, signs of viral, bacterial, or fungal infection can show up in the eyes. For example, a growth inside the vitreous could be a sign of a fungal infection. And what if the whites of your eyes (the &quot;sclera&quot;) turn yellow? That could be a sign of a liver infection called hepatitis. Viral infections like herpes and AIDS also can cause eye symptoms.

Bottom line: If you notice unusual eye symptoms, whether it&#39;s pain or redness or any other symptom out of the ordinary for you, speak to your eye doctor. Your eyes could be trying to tell you something, and with quick care, you might be able to treat an underlying health problem before it causes major issues.

How often should you see the eye doc? <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/vision-screening">Read this article to find out.</a>

Eyes: A Window into Health

In this video, David David Demartini, MD, of Northern California Cornea Associates, describes a future breakthrough treatment that could win the nobel prize in macular degeneration eye research and the prevention of blindness.

Medically reviewed in July 2018.

Can Macular Degeneration Be Reversed?

Finding it harder to read fine print as you get older? Don&rsquo;t worry&mdash;you&rsquo;re probably not missing anything. A new study shows that seniors adapt to their declining vision by reading in a different way.

In a recent study, published in the journal Psychology and Aging, researchers measured eye movements in adults as they read digitally manipulated lines of text. The text was displayed in different ways, with some of the lettering either blurred or sharply defined. <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/9-warning-signs-your-child-has-vision-problems">(Take a look at 5 ways to prevent blurred vision.)</a>

The researchers found that younger adults (between 18 and 30) had an easier time reading visually detailed text. On the other hand, seniors 65 and up actually found it easier to read the blurred text. And their reading comprehension was just as accurate as the younger readers&rsquo;.

The researchers explain that older adults employ a different reading strategy than younger adults, relying more on general cues&mdash;like word shapes&mdash;as they figure out the meaning and identity of words. The finding may help eye doctors identify new ways to help seniors who have trouble with reading, say the authors. <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/types-of-eye-doctors">(Learn more about different kinds of eye specialists.)</a>

Remember, your eye health is an important part of your well-being. Good eyesight gives you a window to the world and helps you live life to its fullest. Try these tips to keep your peepers sharp as you age:

<ul>
	<li>Eat more salad. Adding&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/salad-bar-a-sight-for-healthy-eyes">more mixed greens to your diet</a> is a great way to get antioxidants that ward off the eye disease macular degeneration.</li>
	<li>Deflect dry eyes. Keep your eyes hydrated with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/combatting-dry-irritated-eyes">these preventive tips.</a></li>
	<li>Curb computer eyestrain. Find out how to <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/protect-your-eyes-from-computer-eyestrain">protect your eyes</a> while working on the computer.</li>
	<li>Get educated and be proactive. <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/aging-eye">Boost your eye health</a>&nbsp;by keeping a close watch on vision changes, learning more about your eye issues and sticking to healthy habits to minimize age-related vision loss.</li>
</ul>

Aging Eyes Find a New Way to Read

Perhaps you&rsquo;re quick to make sure your kids wear sunglasses when you hit the beach or the pool. But do you take the same precaution when they&rsquo;re just playing outside in the backyard or walking around the neighborhood? If your answer is no, you could be putting your child&rsquo;s vision at risk down the road.

According to a 2014 survey by the <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/group/american-academy-of-ophthalmology" target="_blank">American Academy of Ophthalmology</a>, less than a third of parents make their kids wear UV-blocking sunglasses. That&rsquo;s a huge problem because years of overexposure to the sun can raise a child&rsquo;s risk for developing eye problems down the road, including <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-cancers" target="_blank">cancer of the eye</a> or eyelid, <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/cataracts" target="_blank">cataracts</a>, <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/macular-degeneration" target="_blank">macular degeneration</a> or possibly even blindness. It&rsquo;s even more important if a child has blue, green or hazel eyes. While people with any eye color can develop UV-related eye problems, the American Academy of Ophthalmology warns that those with light eyes are more susceptible to developing rare eye cancers, like iris and <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/melanoma/what-is-uveal-melanoma" target="_blank">uveal melanomas</a>.

Why Kids Eyes are More Vulnerable 
All people are at risk for eye damage from being exposed to the sun, but children and teens are the most at risk. The ocular lenses of their eyes aren&rsquo;t mature, which means that their eyes aren&rsquo;t able to filter out as much UV radiation as an adult eye. This can cause serious damage to the <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/what-is-the-retina" target="_blank">retina</a>, the tissue at the back of the eye that makes sight possible.

Protect Kids&rsquo; Peepers 
Don&rsquo;t put your child&rsquo;s eyes at risk of sun damage. Follow these sunglass strategies to protect his or her baby blues (or browns or greens):

<ul>
	<li>Check the label. Not just <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-care/how-choose-sunglasses-protect-eyes" target="_blank">any pair of sunglasses</a> blocks UV rays. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends only buying glasses that are labeled &ldquo;UV400&rdquo; or &ldquo;100% UV protection.&rdquo; These sunglasses filter both UV-A and UV-B rays.</li>
	<li>Color coordinate. You want to find sunglasses that are dark enough to reduce glare, but aren&rsquo;t too dark to distort the colors. <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/group/newyorkpresbyterian-hospital" target="_blank">NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital</a> recommends choosing a lens tint that blocks between 80 and 90% of transmissible light. Neutral gray, amber, brown or green are all good color options.</li>
	<li>Make a fashion statement. Pick sunglasses that <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/4-celeb-sunglasses-trends-that-protect-your-eyes" target="_blank">wrap all the way around</a> your child&rsquo;s head. Younger kids may need to wear sunglasses with a Velcro strap that helps keep them on. You also want the lenses to be large enough to completely cover your kid&rsquo;s eyes. These offer the best coverage.</li>
	<li>Don&rsquo;t let the clouds fool you. Just because it&rsquo;s overcast doesn&rsquo;t mean you should leave the sunglasses at home. Damaging UV rays can go through clouds and burn both your skin and eyes.</li>
</ul>

Sunglasses as Important as Sunscreen for Kids

Eyes can look swollen from allergies, too much partying, too much computer time, too much (or too little) sleep, or loose under-eye skin caused by heredity or aging. Whatever the cause of puffed-up peepers, here&#39;s how to deflate them fast. Just head for the kitchen and . . .

Slice a cucumber. Dermatologists aren&#39;t sure what&#39;s behind the anti-inflammatory effects of cucumbers, but here&#39;s a possible explanation: The veggies contain a combo of mild natural acids that reduce water retention. Some beauty pros say cucumbers work best when they&#39;re cold, which makes sense: Because cukes are 90% water, chilled slices are like delicate mini ice packs.

Reach for the peas. Any bag of frozen food will do, but frozen baby peas have a way of fitting into the nooks and crannies around your eyes. Put a soft cloth around the plastic package to protect your skin from the frigid surface, then chill out for 5 to 15 minutes while the cold shrinks the swelling.

Make a milk bath. Milk is a natural soother if eyes are irritated as well as puffy. &quot;Just don&#39;t use skim milk, since it doesn&#39;t contain fat, one of milk&#39;s most soothing components,&quot; says New York dermatologist Amy Wechsler, MD. Other ingredients in milk that calm swollen skin: protein, amino acids, lactic acid, and vitamins A and D. Pour milk into a bowl of ice so it gets really cold, saturate a clean washcloth, and apply to eyes for up to 15 minutes. Soak and reapply when the cloth loses its cool.

P.S. If puffy eyes are a chronic problem, eye-shaped packs filled with gel that freezes are a worthwhile investment . . . and they don&#39;t drip.

Got dry, irritated eyes? <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/combatting-dry-irritated-eyes">Get help here.</a>

3 Cool Ways to Revive Tired Eyes

Cataract surgery doesn&rsquo;t just give a boost to aging eyes, says one study&mdash;it could actually make you live longer.

Australian researchers examined 354 people, age 49 and older, who had vision loss caused by <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/cataracts/what-is-a-cataract">cataracts</a>. The participants had an initial exam and then follow-up visits five and 10 years later. The study was published in the September 2013 issue of the journal Ophthalmology.

By the end of the study, those who opted for cataract surgery had a whopping 40 percent lower risk of dying compared to those who skipped the operation.

The reason is unclear, but researchers have some theories. One is that people who have the surgery simply live better&mdash;their improved vision may allow them to be happier, more active and independent. Or, perhaps they&rsquo;re better able to read their prescription bottles and take their medications correctly. Another possibility, however, is that people with serious health problems may be too sick for cataract surgery, and those health problems may explain the higher death risk.&nbsp;

Spotting the signs of cataracts 
More than half of Americans develop cataracts by the time they turn 80. Cataracts <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/cataracts/how-fast-cataract-develop">come on slowly</a>, so you may not even notice that you don&rsquo;t see as well as you used to. But watch out for the following signs:

<ul>
	<li>Cloudy or blurry vision</li>
	<li>Faded or diminished colors</li>
	<li>A glare or halo around lights, or lights seeming to bright</li>
	<li>Reduced night vision</li>
	<li>Having double vision or seeing multiple images in one eye</li>
	<li>Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

These symptoms could also signal other eye problems, so see an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/types-of-eye-doctors">eye care professional</a> if you experience them. If your doctor suspects you have a cataract, he or she will give you a comprehensive eye exam that may include a combination of a:

<ul>
	<li>Visual acuity test. The doctor uses an eye chart to help measure how well you see at various distances.</li>
	<li>Dilated eye exam. Eye drops are used to dilate your pupils to help your doctor better examine your eyes.</li>
	<li>Tonometry. This instrument measures the pressure inside of your eye.</li>
</ul>

If you have a cataract, discuss your <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/cataracts/how-are-cataracts-treated">treatment options</a> with your doctor. Not only is it a smart health move on your part, but it could add some precious years to your life.

Cataract Surgery May Add Years to Your Life

Sometime around of after age 40, many people notice that it is getting more difficult for their eyes to focus on nearby objects. For many, the first sign is holding reading materials further away from their eyes than they did in the past. This is because of a condition known as presbyopia, a type of age-related vision loss, and it happens to everyone to some degree.

Why does presbyopia occur? 
As you age, the lenses in your eyes age with you, becoming stiff and less flexible. This rigidity causes changes in eyesight similar to farsightedness&mdash;a condition that is caused by a change in the shape of the eye, resulting in a refractive error, or a change in the way the eye bends light. While presbyopia is an age-related change, farsightedness can occur at any age, and the result in either case is similar&mdash;near objects (such as the printed words in a book or on a phone) start to blur when viewed up close.

Presbyopia is a gradual loss of focus, meaning it gets worse over time. It will usually require correction, which can be achieved with reading glasses, bi- or trifocal glasses, contact lenses or for some patients, surgery.

How is presbyopia treated? 
If you don&#39;t already need eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct your eyes for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism or other refractive errors, reading glasses may be your best solution for correcting presbyopia. The lenses in reading glasses bend light rays before they enter your eye, to compensate for what your own lenses can no longer do.

Many people with presbyopia can simply purchase reading glasses without a prescription in a drugstore, department store or vision center that also sells prescription eyewear. These glasses are sold in magnifications ranging from +1.00 to +4.00, typically in increments of +.25. Start with lower powers, and then work your way up, trying different magnifications until you have a pair of glasses that allows you to read comfortably; if you choose reading glasses that are too strong, you may end up with eyestrain and headaches.

Even though reading glasses can be acquired over the counter, your eyes still need regular checkups&mdash;which means you need to make an appointment with an eye doctor. It&rsquo;s recommended that people have eye exams more frequently after the age of 40, and you should have your eyes checked anytime there is a change in your vision.

If you already wear corrective lenses for other refractive disorders, bifocals or trifocals will be necessary to correct presbyopia at the same time. Bifocals improve near and far vision, while trifocals improve near, intermediate and far vision.

In addition to corrective lenses, a number of surgical options can treat presbyopia, including procedures that use heat or lasers to reshape the cornea, and others that replace the stiffened lenses of the eyes with synthetic lenses. Remember, not every treatment is right for every patient. If you are experiencing symptoms of presbyopia, speak with your healthcare provider about what treatment option is right for you.

Medically reviewed in July 2019.

Presbyopia: Correcting Age-Related Vision Loss

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition that causes vision loss. It is one of the most common causes of vision loss among senior adults in the United States.

Below are some key terms to help you understand the anatomy of the eye, how AMD occurs, how healthcare providers diagnose AMD, and what treatments are available.

Central vision loss 
This is the type of vision loss that occurs with AMD. Vision may become blurry at the center, making it difficult to clearly see objects that are directly ahead, while vision may remain clear around the edges. A person may also develop blank spots in central vision, called scotomas.

Retina 
The retina is a part of the eye made up of a thin layer of light-sensitive cells. It converts light into neural signals that can then be processed by the brain. It is located near the back of the eye, near the optic nerve.

Macula 
The macula is the center and most sensitive part of the retina. AMD occurs as the macula and its supporting structures accumulate damage and deposits of waste materials. This occurs to everyone to some degree as they age.

Drusen 
These are yellow deposits of waste materials that accumulate beneath the retina. Most people will develop drusen as they age, though smaller ones will not cause symptoms or interfere with vision. Medium-sized or large drusen can be a sign that a person has AMD.

Early, intermediate, late stage 
AMD is categorized into three stages.

<ul>
	<li>The early stage is diagnosed by the presence of medium-sized drusen, but people do not experience vision loss at this stage.</li>
	<li>Most do not experience symptoms at the intermediate stage (though some do), but an eye exam will reveal large drusen and/or pigment changes in the retina.</li>
	<li>People with late AMD experience vision loss. Late AMD is categorized into two types, dry AMD and wet AMD.</li>
</ul>

Dry AMD 
Also called geographic atrophy. This is the more common of the two types of late AMD. Between 80 and 90 percent of people with AMD have the dry type.

People with this type will experience vision loss due to the breakdown of the cells that make up the macula, and the cells that form the supporting structures around the macula. They may also have large drusen. Dry AMD may develop in one eye initially, but usually affects both eyes.

Wet AMD 
Also called neovascular AMD. This is the less common of the two types, affecting between 10 and 20 percent of people with late AMD. However, it is responsible for the majority of cases of severe vision loss.

Wet AMD is referred to as &ldquo;wet&rdquo; because it involves leakage of blood and other fluids from abnormal blood vessels that have formed beneath the retina. This will occur in one eye, but can occur in both. Most people with wet AMD will have dry AMD first. Vision loss progresses more quickly with wet AMD.

Fluorescein angiography 
This is a test that a healthcare provider may order if they suspect you have wet AMD. It involves injecting a dye into a vein in the arm.

As the blood circulates through the body, it will pass through the blood vessels of the eye. A series of photographs are then taken of the eye. The dye will appear to glow in these photographs. This enables a healthcare provider to get a clear view of the vascular structure of the eye.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) 
This is another imaging test healthcare providers may use in diagnosing wet AMD. With this test, a laser is used to create an image of the internal structure of the eye, including the thickness of the retina and pockets of fluid.

Anti-VEGF 
Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, or anti-VEGF, is a treatment for wet AMD. Drugs that prevent blood vessels from leaking are injected into the eye. This can help prevent vision loss and improve vision for some people.

Other treatment options involve using lasers to close off damaged blood vessels, and other types of surgery, though these are much less common.

There are no effective treatments available for dry AMD, but dietary supplements and lifestyle changes may help slow the progression of vision loss.

Medically reviewed in October 2021.

Sources: 
Merck Manual Professional Version. &quot;Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Drusen).&quot; 
InformedHealth.org. &quot;Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Overview.&quot; 
David A. Quillen. &quot;Common Causes of Vision Loss in Elderly Patients.&quot; American Family Physician. July 1, 1999. Vol. 60, No. 1. 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. &quot;Common Eye Disorders and Diseases.&quot; 
Merck Manual Consumer Version. &quot;Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD or ARMD).&quot; 
American Academy of Ophthalmology. &quot;Retina.&quot; 
American Academy of Ophthalmology. &quot;Macula.&quot; 
Mayo Clinic. &quot;Dry macular degeneration.&quot; 
Merck Manual Consumer Version. &quot;Tests for Eye Disorders.&quot; 
Cleveland Clinic. &quot;Age-Related Macular Degeneration.&quot; 
Mayo Clinic. &quot;Wet macular degeneration.&quot; 
Johns Hopkins Medicine. &quot;Laser Photocoagulation for Age-Related Macular Degeneration.&quot;

10 Terms to Better Understand Age-Related Macular Degeneration

At certain points in your life, it&#39;s important to have your eyes examined by an eye care professional -- even if your eyes feel fine and there doesn&#39;t seem to be a cause for concern. Some eye diseases are virtually symptomless until you start to lose vision. So regular vision screening can help you address problems before they become major issues.

Here&#39;s what the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends for each stage of life:

Baby and Toddler Time: It&#39;s easy for vision problems to go undetected in very young children, so their eyes should be examined by a pediatrician during regular checkups. Once a child turns 3 years old, she can have her vision tested, too. And always alert the doctor if you notice any abnormalities, like droopy eyelids, crossed eyes, or a lazy eye.

Childhood and Teenage Years: Kids and teenagers between the ages of 3 and 19 should have their eyes checked by the family doctor at least once every 2 years during regular checkups.

Young Adult Era: Aim to get at least one complete eye exam between the ages of 20 and 29, and at least two complete screenings between the ages of 30 and 39.

Forty-Plus Period: All adults should get a baseline screening for eye disease by age 40, regardless of whether any symptoms or risk factors for eye problems are present. The AAO chose this age because it represents the time when age-related changes in vision and the earliest signs of eye diseases can be detected. Super important because catching and treating problems like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy early can help minimize vision loss. And because the eyes can be a window into overall health, a thorough eye exam may also unearth other problems that can rear up at this age, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. How often you get follow-up screenings will depend on your test results, medical conditions, and other factors, such as your eye-health history.

Seniors and Beyond: Seniors 65 and older should have their eyes examined every 1 to 2 years to screen for common later-in-life vision problems like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. Regardless of when your next scheduled appointment is, always promptly see your eye doctor if you experience any eye pain or changes in your vision, see spots or flashes of light, or suffer from chronically dry or irritated eyes. (Parched peepers? <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/combatting-dry-irritated-eyes">Get advice here on what to do</a>.)

What Works for You?

These screening intervals won&#39;t apply to everyone. If you&#39;ve had any eye problems in the past, your doctor will probably want to check you more frequently. And certain risk factors for eye disease -- such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of eye problems -- typically mean more frequent screening as well. So work with your eye care professional to determine the screening schedule that&#39;s right for you.

And if you wear glasses or contacts, you&#39;ll need your vision tested at regular intervals, too.

Take the next step: <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/eye-exam-information">Find out what to expect at your vision exam.</a>

Medically reviewed in June 2019.

When to Get a Vision Screening

When it comes to nourishing your vision, a good diet trumps dietary supplements&ndash;for most of us.

Should You Take Supplements for Your Eyes?

Your eyes may be a window into your soul, but they can also give your doctor a look into the health of your heart. A study has linked micro-damage to the tiny blood vessels of the eyes to a higher risk of a common heart rhythm disorder.

Time to get your eyes checked? <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/types-of-eye-doctors">Here&rsquo;s how to find the right doctor</a>.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University presented the study at the November 2013 annual meeting of the American Heart Association. They followed more than 10,000 middle-aged people for about 14 years. They found that people who had damage at the microvascular level (that is, in the smallest blood vessels) of their eyes were at higher risk for developing a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation.

The lead researcher says the study suggests that <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/circulatory-system-health/coronary-microvascular-disease">microvascular disease</a> (MVD) may be a trigger for developing atrial fibrillation, though it&rsquo;s not clear why. Atrial fibrillation is common in older people and can lead to strokes and other problems. The <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/atrial-fibrillation-symptoms/symptoms-of-atrial-fibrillation">symptoms</a> can be easy to miss, and getting checked out early can help you manage the condition.

The eyes are a convenient place to look for MVD, because it <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/circulatory-system-health/coronary-microvascular-disease-diagnosed">can be tricky to spot</a> in the heart. In addition to atrial fibrillation, MVD increases your chance for a heart attack. Luckily, you can prevent MVD, and if you&rsquo;ve already got it, <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/circulatory-system-health/coronary-microvascular-disease-change-lifestyle">you can take steps to stop it from getting worse</a>.

So what does that mean for you and your eye doctor? If your next eye exam reveals some micro-bleeds or micro-aneurysms in <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/what-is-the-retina">your eye&rsquo;s retina</a>, you may want to see a cardiologist next.

Your eyes can actually <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/eyes-and-your-health">reveal several early warning signs about your health</a>. Did you know that small yellow patches around your eyes are actually cholesterol deposits? About half of the time, those bumpy eye patches are the only warning signs of a serious heart problem. The blood vessels in your retina can also provide clues about high blood pressure, diabetes and certain autoimmune diseases.

Medically reviewed in August 2019.

Are Your Eyes a Window Into Heart Trouble?

Staring at a computer screen can cause headaches, back and neck pain, blurry vision and dry eyes. Watch Dr. Oz explain how to avoid these issues during those times when you&rsquo;re stuck in front of a screen.

5 Ways to Prevent Computer Eyestrain

You&#39;ve probably heard of the eye condition called&nbsp;glaucoma. Maybe an older relative has it, or maybe you&#39;ve been recently diagnosed. While it&#39;s a common cause of blindness (in fact, the second leading cause of blindness in the world), glaucoma has no early warning signs. About 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but only half of them know it. That&#39;s why it&#39;s sometimes called &quot;the silent thief of sight.&quot;

Andrew Iwach, MD,&nbsp;an ophthalmologist and executive director of the Glaucoma Center of San Francisco, answers the most frequently asked questions about this common but serious condition.

What is glaucoma? 
Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve, the connection between your eyes and your brain. The nerve damage is usually due to high amounts of pressure inside the eye, either because fluid inside the eye isn&#39;t draining well or too much fluid is being produced.

Am I at risk of developing glaucoma? 
You may be more likely to develop glaucoma if you have some of these risk factors:

<ul>
	<li>African-American, Hispanic, or Asian ethnicity</li>
	<li>Over the age of 60</li>
	<li>Family history of glaucoma</li>
	<li>Elevated eye pressure (which your doctor checks during a routine eye exam)</li>
	<li>Long-term steroid use, such as an inhaler for asthma</li>
	<li>Past eye injury</li>
	<li>Smoking</li>
	<li>Farsightedness or nearsightedness</li>
	<li>Conditions that affect blood vessels, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and migraines</li>
</ul>

What are the warning signs of glaucoma? 
Most people don&#39;t notice any symptoms in the early stages of glaucoma. That&#39;s why seeing your eye doctor every year is so important. If you don&#39;t get <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/eye-health/why-need-regular-eye-exams" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">regular eye exams</a>, the first symptom you notice could be loss of vision, particularly your peripheral vision.

How can I prevent glaucoma? 
When you turn 40, be sure to see an ophthalmologist. These eye doctors have an MD or DO after their names, meaning they went to medical school and can diagnose and treat serious eye diseases. Most people see an optometrist for vision tests, but as you get older and more likely to develop a disease, you&#39;ll want to start seeing an ophthalmologist.

Don&#39;t smoke and <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/heart-health/hypertension/know-your-numbers-blood-pressure" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">keep your blood pressure in check</a>. Follow your healthcare provider&rsquo;s treatment plan for controlling other conditions, like diabetes. Use safety glasses when doing chores at home, such as yard work.

How is glaucoma treated? 
While there&rsquo;s no way to reverse the effects of glaucoma, certain medications and procedures can slow or stop it from getting worse.

Early stages of glaucoma are usually treated with&nbsp;medicated eye drops. These work by lowering the pressure inside the eye, which can help prevent nerve damage and vision loss. Of course, it&rsquo;s important to use the drops as directed to enjoy the benefits. Be sure to fill your prescription right away and set an alarm or other reminder for your new daily medication.

Eye doctors can also perform a surgical procedure to drain extra fluid from inside the eye and relieve pressure. Some providers offer laser procedures at their office. The procedure may need to be repeated, and some people still need eye drops after surgery.

Before you start treatment for glaucoma, be sure to tell your eye doctor about any other medical conditions you have. For example, tell your eye doctor if you&#39;re on prostaglandins or beta-blockers. Some eye drops contain the same type of drug, and your provider will want to be sure you aren&#39;t taking too much.

Your Top 5 Questions About Glaucoma, Answered

Changes in your vision may be signs of other medical conditions.

10 Things Your Vision Reveals About Your Health

Even a slight deterioration of any of your senses can be frustrating or worrisome. Not only can it interfere with your safety and your ability to understand your surroundings, but also it can affect your overall comfort and independence.

Still, as you age, some change in your senses is expected. Eyesight is often one of the first senses affected by aging.

But you can minimize the impact of age-related vision loss on your daily life, help protect your overall eye health and reduce disease risk by monitoring vision changes, reporting unusual symptoms, getting regular eye exams, making eye-friendly tweaks to your surroundings and adjusting a few lifestyle habits.

How&#39;s your vision? 
The first step in protecting your eyes is to distinguish between <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/eye-health/vision-problems-you-shouldnt-ignore">vision changes</a> that are due to normal aging processes and vision changes that may be signs of disease. Only a doctor can diagnose eye disease, so if you haven&#39;t been keeping a regular schedule of checkups, consider making an appointment today.

Normal age-related vision changes 
Not all declines in vision quality are the result of disease; certain anatomical changes naturally occur over time.

The various internal and external structures of the eyes, which all work together to help people see clearly at various distances and under different lighting conditions, begin to wear down as people get older.

Common age-related vision complaints include:

<ul>
	<li>&quot;I can&#39;t see as clearly as I used to.&quot;</li>
	<li>&quot;I have difficulty seeing objects close up.&quot;</li>
	<li>&quot;Colors don&#39;t seem as vivid.&quot;</li>
	<li>&quot;It&#39;s getting more difficult to see in the dark.&quot;</li>
	<li>&quot;I&#39;m less able to adapt to glare.&quot;</li>
	<li>&quot;I need more light to see.&quot;</li>
</ul>

The most significant age-related changes seem to occur in the lens and the pupil; these account for the majority of vision limitations people experience as they get older. The extent to which these changes affect vision varies from one person to the next. But regardless of the degree to which these changes affect you, there are things you can do to compensate for them and help ensure they don&#39;t affect your safety or take a toll on your quality of life.&nbsp;

Age-related eye change #1 
The pupil becomes smaller and less responsive to variations in light.

Impact: Because the pupil controls the amount of light that reaches the retina, age-related changes to the pupil may affect vision in many ways. First, as the pupil decreases in diameter, seeing well in dim light becomes harder. In addition, the less able the pupil is to adjust to varying light conditions, the less tolerable glare becomes and the more difficult it is to adapt from darkness to bright light or vice versa. This means as you get older, you may need more time to adjust to changing levels of illumination, such as going from bright sunshine into a dimly lit room or restaurant.

Compensation: Proper illumination can compensate for many of the changes in your pupil as you age. Try these illumination techniques:

<ul>
	<li>Increase the amount of ambient light throughout your home.</li>
	<li>Use individual lights&mdash;or task lighting&mdash;for specific tasks. Studies show that for specific tasks, the average 60-year-old person needs at least three times the amount of light compared with the average 20-year-old.</li>
	<li>Use timed lighting that switches on and off at set times of the day to ensure consistent ambient lighting.</li>
	<li>Install motion-sensor lights in your home that turn on automatically when you enter a room.</li>
	<li>Avoid bare bulbs, clear shades and chandeliers without shades; these produce glare that can be disorienting and uncomfortable.</li>
	<li>Cover shiny, highly polished surfaces in the home or work areas with cloth or rugs to reduce glare.</li>
</ul>

Age-related eye change #2 
The lens of the eye begins to <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/eye-health/presbyopia-correcting-age-related-vision-loss">lose elasticity</a>.

Impact: In the same way that losing flexibility in tendons and muscles makes it more difficult for the body to move, losing lens elasticity also makes it harder for the lens to bend in order to focus on closely held objects. This loss of focusing power, or lens accommodation, is known as presbyopia.

Compensation: Investing in certain sight aids can help compensate for losses in up-close vision. Take these steps if you&#39;re having trouble seeing close up:

<ul>
	<li>See your eye specialist regarding corrective devices such as reading glasses, bifocals, trifocals, progressive lenses (no lines) or possibly contact lenses to help you correctly see objects at close proximity.</li>
	<li>Have your eyes rechecked and reading lenses adjusted every two or three years; changes in lens elasticity typically begin around age 40.</li>
	<li>Shine additional light on close work materials to enhance your near vision; lights with adjustable necks are best for directly targeting work.</li>
	<li>Consider simple, over-the-counter reading glasses for up-close work if you do not need corrective lenses to see distances. The typical range of magnification needed is from +1.00 to + 3.00. Choose a weaker glass for computer work or a stronger glass for reading.</li>
</ul>

Researchers are studying new surgical interventions and devices that could restore at least some amount of near vision. However, these techniques are experimental, and given the tendency of the eye structure to constantly change, the long-term success of such interventions is unknown.

Age-related eye change #3 
The lens of the eye gradually yellows with age.

Impact: The yellowing of the eye lens affects color perception. For example, the yellowing lens tends to absorb and scatter blue light, making it difficult to see differences in shades of blue, green and violet. Colors may seem duller, and contrasts between colors will be less noticeable. This may cause confusion when picking out clothes or performing other tasks that require color perception. It also may become difficult to tell where an object ends and its background begins. For example, you make have more trouble seeing curbs or steps.

Compensation: A few specific adjustments to lighting and color choices should help alleviate the effects of minor lens yellowing. Try this:

<ul>
	<li>Choose halogen or fluorescent bulbs specifically designed to improve color rendering. Bulbs with a color-rendering index (CRI) above 80 may best help older eyes with color definition.</li>
	<li>Use warm contrasting colors, such as yellow, orange and red, in your home to improve your ability to tell where things are and make it easier to perform daily activities.</li>
	<li>Put colored tape on the edge of steps to help make them easier to navigate.</li>
</ul>

Eventually, the underlying process that causes lens yellowing may lead to cataracts. Surgical procedures are available for people whose degree of vision impairment due to cataracts is severe enough to interfere with safety or quality of life.

Give your eyes a boost 
Creating an eye-friendly environment is only the beginning of boosting your vision. Studies show that certain lifestyle habits and <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/eye-health/food-for-eyes">dietary choices</a> may help protect the lens of the eye and reduce the risk of certain lens conditions that diminish sight.

For example, a study published in the American Journal of Nutrition reveals that a diet rich in vitamin C and foods containing plant pigments, or carotenoids, may help protect the lens of the eye and reduce the risk of cataracts. A lack of these nutrients appears to speed cross-linking, a process by which proteins in the lens form unwanted links or bonds, making the lens thicker and more rigid. These unwanted bonds also scatter even more light than usual.

Carotenoids exhibit antioxidant properties. Examples include beta carotene, lycopene and lutein. There is no recommended daily allowance for carotenoids, but you can get your fill by eating lots of produce. Carotenoid-rich foods include sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, spinach, tomatoes, kale and mangoes. Aim for four servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables per day to help ensure you get the nutrients you need to maximize your eye health.

In addition to certain nutritional deficits, other lifestyle choices may speed up cross-linking and put lens health at risk. These include smoking and excessive exposure to the sun&rsquo;s harmful UV rays.

What&#39;s not a normal part of aging 
As you get older, it is very important to have <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/eye-health/why-need-regular-eye-exams">regular eye examinations</a>. Some eye changes may signal something more serious than age-related changes, such as an eye disease that needs medical treatment. Even if you are not experiencing eye symptoms, regular checkups are a must.&nbsp;

Many eye diseases do not have warning symptoms but could be minimized or slowed with proper treatment. For example, although eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment are often painless and the onset is gradual, they can greatly impair vision if not promptly treated.

During a doctor appointment, if you have or are suspected of having disorders affecting the retina, or if you are at risk for other eye diseases such as glaucoma, you may be given tests to confirm a diagnosis.

Visual limitations can be addressed 
With age, almost everyone&#39;s vision deteriorates to some degree. Fortunately, there are several ways to lessen the impact of age-related eye changes. Making up for vision losses, no matter how big or small, is very important. If ignored, even mild visual impairment can lead to problems ranging from <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/eye-health/vision-loss-and-depression-connection">feelings of depression</a> and social isolation to injuries from falls.

Addressing age-related vision troubles as they arise and making the necessary adjustments to your surroundings or lifestyle will help you remain independent and protect your quality of life.&nbsp;

Eye Health