Major vision problems at different ages

Does your child complain that their eyes get tired after spending a long time on the computer? Or have you noticed that your vision is not as clear as before? The truth is that vision-related issues can arise at any age. Each stage of life brings its own challenges, but most of them can be prevented or addressed if noticed early. That is why it is important to understand how vision changes throughout life and what you can do to take care of your own and your loved ones’ eyes.

Early childhood – a critical period for vision development

Vision development in early childhood is a particularly sensitive period. The most significant vision-impairing problems at this time include tumors, cataracts, so-called lazy eye (amblyopia), and strabismus (crossed eyes). It is important to know that at birth, a child’s visual system is not yet fully developed, with the 2nd–3rd month being especially crucial. During this time, the retina needs plenty of light for normal visual development. If light does not reach the retina properly, it can hinder the development of the corresponding brain cells and cause amblyopia. Fortunately, amblyopia is treatable; often, wearing the correct glasses or undergoing occlusion therapy, where the better-seeing eye is temporarily covered, is sufficient. The most important factor is the rapid identification and elimination of the cause of amblyopia.

Preschool and school age

Have you noticed that your child holds a book or phone very close to their eyes? This may be a sign of myopia, or nearsightedness, which has become a global concern today. Scientific studies show an alarming trend: by 2050, half of the population in Eastern Europe may need minus (concave) glasses. In Asia, the situation is even more serious.

Wearing minus glasses increases the risk of developing serious eye conditions such as glaucoma, retinal tears, and myopic macular degeneration. It is strongly recommended to monitor your child’s vision and take preventive measures. One of the simplest ways is to ensure your child spends at least two hours outdoors every day. Research confirms that this can slow down or even halt the progression of myopia.

Adolescence
Many of our teenage clients have reported that their eyes get tired when doing computer work or using digital devices. In today’s digital world, this is an increasingly common problem, especially among young people. Constant use of digital devices can weaken the eye muscles, which in turn causes discomfort and fatigue.

Focusing on nearby objects is a complex process that involves two important mechanisms. Accommodation allows the eye to adjust focus, while convergence helps the eyes turn inward. If these mechanisms do not work optimally, various unpleasant symptoms may occur: headaches, eye fatigue, blurred vision at both near and far distances, difficulty concentrating, and eye redness. Particularly concerning is that accommodation and convergence problems in children can promote the progression of myopia, or nearsightedness.

I recommend considering near-vision glasses lenses and regular eye exercises, as these can provide significant relief. It is also important to pay attention to dry eye syndrome, which is especially common among office workers. During computer work, we tend to blink less, and our eyes are also affected by the light from digital devices and dry air. If you notice itching, redness, stinging, or excessive tearing in the eyes, this may indicate dry eye syndrome, which definitely requires attention.

Maintaining Eye Health in Older Age

In adults, the eye lens begins to cloud around the age of 40, forming a cataract. This means that single-vision glasses may no longer provide adequate vision, and you might need progressive lenses.

It is also important to know that in your 40s the risk of developing several eye diseases increases. The two most common are glaucoma and macular degeneration. Glaucoma is damage to the optic nerve, usually caused by high intraocular pressure, and leads to a narrowing of the visual field. Macular degeneration affects the macula, impairing central vision.

After the age of 50, it is recommended to have an annual eye exam with an ophthalmologist. Don’t forget to wear sunglasses—they are important both in summer and winter. Even on cloudy days, UVA and UVB rays reach your eyes. Protecting your eyes is important at any age, even if you do not yet need glasses.

Take care of the whole family’s eyes – at every age

Eye health is an important part of overall well-being. A young child’s first eye exam should take place as early as age 3. If a child wears glasses, annual check-ups are very important so we can monitor the progression of nearsightedness and, if necessary, slow its development.

For those working on computers, we recommend the 20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. To prevent dry eyes, blink deliberately more often – about 15–20 times per minute.

After the age of 40, eye exams become even more important. It’s worth visiting both an optometrist and an ophthalmologist. And don’t forget – eyes need protection from the sun at every age!

Book an eye exam today – this way you take care of both your own and your loved ones’ eye health. We look forward to seeing you!

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