Getting older comes with a few changes — some welcome, others less so. When it comes to your vision, knowing what’s normal (and what’s not) is the first step to staying independent, safe, and confident. At ParkRidge Vision Specialists in Lone Tree, we’re here to help you navigate age-related vision changes with care and clarity.
Common Vision Changes in Your 60s and Beyond
As we age, it’s normal to notice subtle shifts in how we see. For many adults over 60, changes happen gradually — and that’s part of what makes them easy to ignore. But even normal age-related changes deserve attention and regular conversation with your eye doctor.
Here are a few things you might notice:
- Presbyopia, or difficulty focusing up close. (You may find yourself holding reading material at arm’s length.)
- Increased glare sensitivity, especially while driving at night.
- A need for brighter lighting when reading or doing close-up work.
- Slower adjustment to lighting changes — for example, moving from a sunny sidewalk into a dim restaurant.
- Color perception may shift, making some tones appear more muted or yellowed.
Your optometrist can help you understand what’s expected and offer solutions that improve comfort and clarity.
Eye Conditions That Become More Common With Age
Some age-related eye diseases don’t show symptoms right away — which is why consistent care matters.
Here are the conditions our team at ParkRidge Vision Specialists keeps a close eye on in patients over 60:
- Cataracts: A gradual clouding of the eye’s lens that can make vision blurry or dim. Cataracts are common with age and can be treated effectively with surgery when needed.
- Glaucoma: Often called the "silent thief of sight," glaucoma damages the optic nerve and typically progresses without warning. Early detection is key.
- Macular degeneration (AMD): This affects central vision and can impact your ability to read, drive, or recognize faces. While there’s no cure, certain treatments can slow progression.
- Diabetic retinopathy: For those living with diabetes, high blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes and eventually cause vision loss.
Annual exams are the best way to detect these issues early — when treatments can be most effective.
When Other Health Conditions Affect Your Eyes
Your eyes don’t exist in a vacuum. Health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can significantly impact eye health. That’s why we take a whole-body approach to senior vision care.
We’re trained to monitor for signs of diabetic retinopathy and other systemic effects. If you have chronic health concerns, we’ll work closely with your primary care doctor or specialist to ensure your vision care supports your overall health.
What to Expect From a Senior Eye Exam at ParkRidge Vision Specialists
At ParkRidge Vision Specialists, our senior eye exams are designed with your comfort and long-term vision in mind.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- A calm, welcoming office atmosphere and a team that takes time to explain your results in plain language.
- Advanced diagnostic tools like OCT (optical coherence tomography) and retinal imaging to catch early signs of disease.
- Appointments that support communication with your medical team, especially if you manage chronic health conditions.
Our goal is to help you preserve your vision, independence, and quality of life.
Stay Proactive About Your Vision Health in Lone Tree
Small changes in your sight may seem easy to ignore — but they could be early signs of something more serious. Regular exams give you the peace of mind that your eyes are healthy, and the opportunity to act early if they’re not.
If you or a loved one is over 60, we encourage you to schedule a comprehensive eye exam at ParkRidge Vision Specialists. We’re here to support you with compassionate, thorough care that keeps you seeing clearly for years to come.