Changes in vision can be concerning, even with corrective lenses. Vision changes are a natural part of life, stemming from aging, underlying medical conditions, or daily environmental factors. Understanding these influences helps clarify why vision might worsen despite optical correction.
Typical Vision Evolution
Existing refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism, can progress. The eye’s shape, which dictates how light focuses on the retina, may alter, necessitating eyeglass prescription adjustments. Myopia, for instance, can continue to progress into adulthood.
Presbyopia, a common age-related change, occurs when the eye’s natural lens loses flexibility, typically around age 40. This makes focusing on close-up objects difficult, even with corrected distance vision, often requiring reading glasses or multifocal lenses. Early cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, can also subtly degrade vision. Symptoms include cloudy vision, difficulty with night vision, light sensitivity, or changes in color perception. A denser lens can also cause frequent eyeglass prescription changes.
Medical Conditions Impacting Vision
Medical conditions can significantly impact vision. Glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to elevated eye pressure, can lead to vision loss. Early stages typically have no symptoms, making regular eye exams important for detection. Untreated glaucoma can result in irreversible vision loss.
Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, affects retinal blood vessels. High blood sugar damages these vessels, causing them to leak fluid or bleed, which can lead to blurred vision, floaters, or blindness if not properly managed. Macular degeneration (AMD) involves the deterioration of the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. This condition can cause blurred central vision, distorted lines, or blind spots, making reading or recognizing faces challenging.
Optic neuritis, characterized by inflammation of the optic nerve, can lead to sudden diminished vision, pain with eye movement, and reduced color vision, often affecting one eye. This condition is sometimes associated with autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis. Neurological conditions, such as stroke or brain tumors, can also manifest with visual changes, as the brain processes visual information.
Everyday Factors Affecting Sight
External and lifestyle factors can contribute to perceived vision worsening or discomfort. Prolonged digital screen use can lead to digital eye strain (computer vision syndrome). Symptoms include eye discomfort, fatigue, dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. This occurs due to reduced blinking, less precise image definition, and potential glare.
Dry eye syndrome, where eyes do not produce enough tears or tears evaporate too quickly, can cause fluctuating vision, blurriness, and discomfort. An unstable tear film can scatter light, leading to blurry vision uncorrectable by glasses. Poor lighting or excessive glare can also strain eyes. Certain medications can have ocular side effects, including dry eyes, blurred vision, or increased light sensitivity. Maintaining overall health, including adequate hydration and nutrition, contributes to eye health, as systemic issues can indirectly affect vision.
When to See an Eye Care Professional
If your eyesight worsens despite wearing glasses, schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Regular examinations are a preventive measure to maintain good vision and eye health. Eye diseases often progress silently, and a comprehensive exam can detect these issues before significant vision loss occurs.
Specific symptoms warrant immediate professional attention: sudden vision loss, new flashes of light or increased floaters, severe eye pain, or sudden double vision. An eye care professional can accurately diagnose the cause of vision changes, recommend treatment, update prescriptions, or address medical conditions impacting your sight.