Ask an Optometrist: What makes your vision worse?

There are a number of factors that can contribute to the deterioration of your eyesight over time. Here are some of the most common causes:

Age: As we get older, our eyes undergo a natural aging process that can lead to changes in vision. This may include difficulty seeing things up close (presbyopia) or an increased risk of eye diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

Genetics: Some eye conditions, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, are believed to have a genetic component. If one or both of your parents have these conditions, you may be more likely to develop them as well.

Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors can also impact your eyesight. For example, prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun can increase your risk of developing cataracts and other eye diseases. Similarly, exposure to blue light from digital devices may contribute to eyestrain and fatigue.

Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle habits can also impact your eyesight. Smoking, for example, is known to increase your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration. Poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and chronic stress can also contribute to a range of health problems, including eye diseases.

Injury and disease: Finally, injury and certain diseases can cause damage to the eyes and lead to vision loss. This includes conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, as well as injuries to the eye or head.

In general, taking good care of your eyes by protecting them from UV radiation, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and seeing your eye doctor for regular check-ups can help to maintain your vision and reduce your risk of developing eye diseases over time.