My mid-life crisis

I used to have perfect vision…in fact, I was proud that I could read freeway signs from half a mile away.  But then, in my mid 40’s, it started to change.  I found myself holding the newspaper father away to read it, and I couldn’t see as well in dim light.  Much to my chagrin, the change of life had begun…

Near-sightedness (myopia) typically begins in middle age.   The eyeball becomes less elastic, making focus, such as with reading, more difficult.  An optometry exam is important to rule out serious conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diseases of the back of the eye (retina).  The optometrist will also check visual acuity, and can write a prescription for the appropriate eyewear.  However, if mid range and distant vision is normal, one can save a substantial amount of money by buying off-the-shelf glasses for reading.   Follow up eye exams should be done every 2-3 years, or if the vision suddenly worsens, because serious diseases of the eye become more common as one ages…..Richard R Samuel, MD     Family Practice and Urgent Care   Hayden, ID  USA