Your eyes change as you get older, just like the rest of your body. Some changes are normal, like needing reading glasses or taking longer to adjust to light and dark. But others can signal more serious conditions, like glaucoma, cataracts or macular degeneration. 

Learn why annual eye exams matter, plus steps you can take to keep your eyes healthy as you age.  

Why annual eye appointments are important  

Many eye problems are easy to miss at first. Your vision might feel fine, even while a condition is slowly affecting your eyes. That’s where an annual eye exam comes in handy. It can help your provider spot changes early, before they impact your daily life or become serious.  

Vision exams are also a chance for your eye care provider to check for other health concerns, like diabetes or high blood pressure.  

During your exam, your provider may dilate your eyes. This lets them look closely at the back of your eye and check eye pressure. That’s why you should get this important checkup every one to two years.^*  

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But don’t wait for your next appointment if you notice sudden changes in vision, such as:  

• Vision loss
• Flashes of light
• Halos around lights
• Eye pain
• An increase in floaters (These are tiny specks, cobwebs, or lines that drift across your vision.)

These can be signs of a serious eye problem that needs care right away. 

How to manage common age-related eye problems  

It’s normal to worry when you have vision conditions. But most are manageable. And some are even preventable. The key is catching problems early and starting treatment as soon as you can. Here’s a look at a few of the most common age-related vision issues, plus what you can do about them. 

Glaucoma

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve because of fluid pressure buildup. This nerve is the part of your eye that sends signals to your brain. It’s one of the leading causes of blindness in people 60 years and older.^*  The tricky part? It rarely has early symptoms. But regular eye exams can catch the condition before it becomes a bigger problem. And your eye care provider can suggest treatments like prescription eye drops or surgery to help protect your sight.  

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

AMD affects the macula, the center of your retina. It helps you sense light and see fine details like words on a page. It’s a leading cause of vision loss for people 50 and older.^*  AMD often develops slowly, and you may not notice changes at first.  

While there isn’t a cure, healthy habits can help lower your risk and slow its progress. These include:  

• Regular eye exams
• Not smoking
• Eating plenty of fruits (like berries and apples) and leafy greens (like spinach and kale)
• Keeping blood pressure under control

Dry eye

As you get older, your eyes may not make enough tears. Or the tears may dry up too quickly. This can cause a burning, gritty feeling or blurry vision. Artificial tears, screen breaks and a humidifier at home can help. If the discomfort continues, your provider may recommend prescription treatments.  

Cataracts

Cataracts happen when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy. Your vision may appear blurry or less colorful. They’re very common. More than half of people 80 and older either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove them.^*  Cataract surgery is safe and effective. And stronger glasses, bright lighting or anti-glare sunglasses can often help on a daily basis.  

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that can develop in people with diabetes. It damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina. Early stages may not cause symptoms, but over time it can lead to floaters, blurry vision or even blindness. Managing blood sugar and getting yearly eye exams are the best ways to protect your sight.  

Check out your vision benefits

Allina Health | Aetna members get one covered eye exam every year. Use our provider finder tool to schedule a vision appointment with an in-network provider near you. Find out more at AllinaHealthAetnaMedicare.com/EyeMed.

Tips to protect your eyes as you age

Everyday habits can also help keep your eyes healthy and comfortable. Try adding these steps into your routine:  

• Wear eye protection. Harmful rays from the sun can lead to cataracts and AMD. Your eyes can even get sunburned. Wearing sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats can help protect them. And protective goggles can keep your eyes safe too if you’re doing yard work, home projects or playing sports like pickleball.  

• Eat eye-healthy foods. What you eat can help keep your eyes healthy. Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale, bright-colored fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole grains and fish provide important nutrients for your eyes. Eating these foods may help lower your risk of eye problems as you get older. 

• Quit smoking. Smoking is harmful to your eyes. It increases your risk for cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye diseases. Quitting smoking can help protect your vision and slow eye damage. If you need help quitting, talk with your health care provider about support and resources. 

• Manage chronic conditions. Keep diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol under control to protect your eyes.  Follow your treatment plan and keep up with appointments with your health care providers. 

• Take screen breaks. Too much screen time may cause eye strain and fatigue. When looking at your phone or tablet, try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a break.  

Aging doesn’t have to mean losing your sight. With regular exams, healthy habits and timely treatment, you can keep your eyes comfortable as you get older.  

^*FOR DILATED EYE EXAMS: Mayo Clinic. Is It Necessary To Have My Eyes Dilated During Every Eye Exam? Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/eye-dilation/faq-20057882 January 25, 2025. Accessed March 17, 2026.

*FOR GLAUCOMA: Mayo Clinic. Glaucoma. Accessed at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372839 November 5, 2024. Accessed March 17, 2026.

*FOR AMD: Johns Hopkins Medicine. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Accessed at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/agerelated-macular-degeneration-amd Sept. 9, 2025. Accessed March 17, 2026.

*FOR CATARACTS: Cataracts. Accessed at https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts November 26, 2025. Accessed March 17, 2026. 

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