As we move through life, raising families, advancing careers, or embracing retirement, our eyes go through changes too. Some changes are expected; others aren’t. That’s why comprehensive eye exams are essential.
At The Optical Centre in Longmont, we help patients of all ages catch eye conditions early, treat them effectively, and maintain clear vision through every stage of life.
Which Issues Cause Vision to Get Worse?
Many of our patients ask, “Why are my eyes getting worse?” The answer depends on age, health, and lifestyle. But here are a few of the most common culprits:
- Refractive errors like myopia or astigmatism.
- Age-related conditions such as presbyopia, cataracts, or macular degeneration.
- Digital eye strain, a growing issue among adults and children due to extended screen use.
- Medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can impact blood vessels in the eye.
- Environmental exposure to allergens, dry air, or high UV levels that can irritate the eyes and degrade vision over time.
The good news? Early detection and the right treatment plan can dramatically slow progression or fully correct many of these issues.
Conditions We Commonly Treat at The Optical Centre
Eye conditions don’t always come with dramatic symptoms. That’s why early detection and consistent eye care are key. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common eye issues we diagnose and treat in our clinic.
Blurry or Shifting Vision
Refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism are among the most common causes of blurred vision. In some cases, these may worsen over time, especially with excessive screen use or natural aging. Glasses, contact lenses, or ortho-k lenses are often effective solutions.
Dry Eye
Longmont’s dry climate, indoor heating in the winter, and screen-heavy lifestyles all contribute to dry eye symptoms like burning, redness, and light sensitivity. We offer treatments ranging from artificial tears to in-office therapies designed to restore healthy tear function.
Cataracts
Cataracts develop slowly and usually affect those over 60, though they can appear earlier. We co-manage cataract care, from early detection and monitoring to referrals for surgery and post-operative care, ensuring your vision is protected every step of the way.
Glaucoma
This eye disease is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss and often progresses without early symptoms. At The Optical Centre, we use advanced diagnostics like OCT imaging and visual field testing to catch glaucoma early and manage it effectively with pressure-lowering treatments.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD primarily affects central vision and becomes more common with age. Regular eye exams and retinal scans help us track this condition and intervene with nutrition guidance, injections, or referrals as needed.
Diabetic Retinopathy
If you’re living with diabetes, managing your eye health is just as important as monitoring your blood sugar. We screen for diabetic retinopathy during comprehensive eye exams and coordinate treatment plans to reduce the risk of complications or blindness.
The Importance of Eye Exams for Vision Issues
A comprehensive eye exam is more than just a glasses check. It’s a full-scale health screening that can catch early signs of rare eye conditions and diseases that cause blindness, such as:
- Retinal detachment
- Optic neuritis
- Keratoconus
- Uveitis
These conditions don’t always cause pain or obvious symptoms at first, but with routine exams, we can detect them early and either treat or refer as needed. This proactive care model is especially important in a community like Longmont, where many residents lead active lives well into their 70s and 80s.
Protect Your Eyesight with Personalized Care in Longmont, CO
Vision problems can be frustrating, but they don’t have to interfere with your life. At The Optical Centre, we’re proud to offer personalized care rooted in decades of experience and community trust.
Whether you’re worried about deteriorating eyesight, concerned your child isn’t seeing clearly in class, or just want to stay ahead of age-related vision changes, book your comprehensive eye exam. Our exams are thorough, our team is compassionate, and our location in Longmont makes expert care easily accessible.
Common Eye Issues FAQs
What causes vision to get worse over time?
Aging, chronic medical conditions like diabetes, and environmental factors such as screen exposure or UV damage can all lead to worsening eyesight.
Are there any diseases that cause blindness without early symptoms?
Yes, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration are examples. These can progress silently, which is why regular eye exams are essential.
How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam?
Adults should get an exam at least every two years, or annually if they wear glasses, have a medical condition, or are over 60.