Seeing Your Retirement: Health in the Aging Eye
- Inaya Karmali
- Mar 12
- 4 min read
Guest blog by Inaya Karmali, Undergraduate Student University of Toronto
As you age, you may start to notice changes in your vision. Some of these changes are a normal part of aging, while others may indicate underlying eye conditions that require attention. Knowing what to expect and when to seek help may make a big difference in preserving your sight.
What’s Normal? As we age, it’s common to notice changes in our vision. For example, presbyopia, the gradual loss of the ability to focus on nearby objects, typically begins in our 40s. You may hold a book further away or need more light for close tasks. Other common changes include reduced contrast sensitivity, difficulty adjusting to glare, and dry eyes. While these changes can be frustrating, they usually aren’t signs of serious eye disease.
However, monitor significant changes in your vision. Sudden vision loss, flashing lights, increased floaters, or intense eye pain could indicate serious conditions that require immediate medical attention.
Get Regular Eye Exams! Regular eye doctor visits are vital for your vision. An optometrist can spot early signs of unnoticed eye conditions, even if things seem fine. The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommend getting an eye exam every year over the age of 65 (reference 4). Regular check-ups help catch issues early, making treatment more effective.
Common Age-Related Eye Conditions
While some vision changes are normal, others may signal eye diseases that may lead to significant vision loss if left untreated.
Here are some common age-related eye conditions:
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) – AMD affects central vision, making reading or recognizing faces more difficult. Symptoms may include blurred or distorted vision, dark spots in your central vision, and trouble seeing in low light (reference 1).
Cataracts – A cataract causes cloudiness in the eye’s lens, leading to blurred vision, sensitivity to glare, duller colour perception, and difficulties with night vision (reference 2).
Glaucoma – Often called the "silent thief of sight," glaucoma can develop without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. Over time, it may slowly limit peripheral vision, potentially resulting in tunnel vision as it progresses stages.(reference 1)
Diabetic Retinopathy – This condition, related to diabetes, damages the blood vessels in the retina. It can cause blurred vision, dark spots or floaters, and trouble seeing in dim lighting.(reference 3)
Here Are Some Ways to Protect Your Aging Eyes
Prioritize Regular Eye Exams – Early detection is key. Regular check-ups may identify issues before they become serious, allowing for timely treatment.(reference 2)
Adopt Healthy Daily Habits – Wearing UV-protective sunglasses helps guard against sun damage, which can contribute to cataracts and AMD. If you experience dry eyes, lubricating drops may provide relief.(reference 1)
Eat for Eye Health – A diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E and zinc, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids supports healthy vision. Leafy greens, carrots, citrus fruits, nuts, and fish are excellent choices.(reference 3)
Stay Active – Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of diabetes-related eye conditions. High blood sugar and pressure can damage the delicate blood vessels in the eyes, leading to permanent vision loss.(reference 2)
By making small but meaningful lifestyle changes and keeping up with regular eye care, you’re setting yourself up to enjoy clear vision for years.
Recognizing When to Seek Medical Attention
While some vision changes are expected with age, others signal a need for urgent care. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, sudden vision loss, flashes of light, an increase in floaters, or severe eye pain should never be ignored.(reference 2) If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
By making smart choices, recognizing early warning signs, and having routine eye exams, you can help protect your vision and enjoy your favourite activities throughout retirement. Just as your eyes experience new challenges with age, so do your finances.
Dealing with and paying for healthcare is an important part of any retirement investment plan. We discuss these issues at our seminars and you can also meet Dave, Faisal, and the rest of our team there to learn how to make the most of your retirement.Register for our next seminar at https://morethanmoneyradio.com/seminar-registration/.
The author is not a medical professional, and that the content is for informational purposes only and was accumulated through various sources. Readers should consult their medical or eye care physician for professional advice.
David Popowich and Faisal Karmali are Investment Advisors with CIBC Wood Gundy in Calgary. The views of David Popowich, Faisal Karmali, and guest author do not necessarily reflect those of CIBC World Markets Inc. This information, including any opinion, is based on various sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. CIBC Private Wealth consists of services provided by CIBC and certain of its subsidiaries, including CIBC Wood Gundy, a division of CIBC World Markets Inc. The CIBC logo and “CIBC Private Wealth” are trademarks of CIBC, used under license. “Wood Gundy” is a registered trademark of CIBC World Markets Inc.
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