Eye Health
By age 50, most people become aware of changes in their vision, including a gradual decline in the ability to see small print or focus on close objects (presbyopia), a decrease in sharpness of vision, or trouble distinguishing subtle color differences and contrast.
If you're over 40, you're at increased risk for:
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Cataracts: clouding of the eye's lens
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Glaucoma: disease of the optic nerve
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Macular degeneration: loss of central vision
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Presbyopia: a condition that makes it harder to read and do close-up work
Warning Signs
Look for common warning signs of vision problems, such as:
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Trouble seeing at night, especially when you drive toward bright headlights
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Hard time reading and doing close-up work
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Cloudy vision
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Problems with glare from lamps or the sun
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Frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription
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Trouble seeing things to your side
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Changes in the way you see color
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Double vision or halos around lights
Laser Vision Correction
Also known as refractive surgery, laser vision correction uses a laser to reshape the cornea and change the way light is focused or “refracted” by the eye. The goal of laser vision correction is to reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts.
Kaiser Permanente Members
At Kaiser Permanente, we’re passionate about keeping your eyes healthy and your vision sharp.
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Kaiser Permanente Vision Essentials centers offer eyeglasses and contact lenses for sale in addition to providing complete eye care.
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Learn about Laser Vision Correction
Resources
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Aging and Your Eyes (National Institute on Aging)
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21 Ways Aging Changes Your Eyes (American Academy of Ophthalmology)
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Eye Health and Finding an Ophthalmologist (American Academy of Ophthalmology)
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Finding an Eye Doctor (National Eye Institute)