In Mississippi, many adults over age 50 are still leading active lives, working, driving, and caring for family. But even with a healthy lifestyle, time takes its toll on the eyes. Blurry vision, trouble seeing at night, or needing more light to read aren’t just “signs of getting older.” They could be early signs of eye disease.
At Wesson and Mothershed Eye Center, we care for patients at every stage of life. Our Tupelo clinic offers advanced diagnostics and personalized treatments for conditions that commonly affect aged eyes. We also provide surgical options, including cataract surgery and eyelid procedures, at our in-house surgical center.
Why Aging Eyes Need Regular Exams
As you enter your 50s, your risk for serious eye conditions increases. Many of these issues, like glaucoma or AMD, can develop without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. That’s why regular eye exams are essential for protecting your vision.
Here are the top 5 reasons to get routine exams after age 50:
- Early detection of age-related eye conditions
- Monitoring of blood vessels in the retina (especially for people with diabetes)
- Prevention and treatment of dry eye
- Catching cataracts before they impair daily life
- Detecting changes in central vision that may signal AMD
Even if your vision seems fine, yearly exams help our eye doctors notice small changes. This way, they can start treatment early when it works best for them.
Age-Related Eye Conditions to Watch For
Here’s what often affects people in their 50s, 60s, and beyond. Some conditions can progress quietly. Others show up with clear symptoms. Either way, getting ahead of these problems is your best defense.
1. Cataracts: The Cloudy Lens
Common age: 60s and older
Symptoms include: cloudy vision, light sensitivity, halos around lights, glare while driving
What to know: Cataracts gradually cloud your natural lens, making everyday tasks like reading or driving more difficult. Surgery is a simple outpatient solution that restores vision with advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs).
2. Dry Eye Disease
Common age: 50+
Symptoms include: itching, burning, redness, watery or gritty eyes
What to know: Hormonal changes, screen time, and the dry Mississippi air all contribute to dry eye. We offer treatments such as TempSure radiofrequency, which gently stimulates the glands around your eyes to restore comfort.
3. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Common age: 60+
Symptoms include: blurred or missing central vision, difficulty recognizing faces or reading
What to know: AMD affects the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Early detection is key. Lifestyle changes and medication can slow its progression.
4. Diabetic Retinopathy
Common age: any diabetic patient, often worsens after age 50
Symptoms include: floaters, blurred vision, dark areas in vision
What to know: High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina. Diabetic retinopathy can progress silently, so people with diabetes should get yearly exams regardless of symptoms.
5. Glaucoma
Common age: 40+
Symptoms include: often none at first. Later-stage symptoms can consist of peripheral vision loss
What to know: Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and is often called the “silent thief of sight.” We use advanced imaging to track your eye pressure and catch changes early.
6. Retinal Detachment
Common age: 50s and up
Symptoms include: sudden floaters, flashes of light, a shadow over your vision
What to know: This is a medical emergency. If you notice flashes or a sudden increase in floaters, call us right away. We have the tools and experience to help.
Vision Care Services for Patients Over 50 in Tupelo
At Wesson and Mothershed Eye Center, our team combines decades of experience with advanced diagnostic tools to provide excellent care at every age. Here’s how we support patients with aging eyes:
- Comprehensive eye exams to detect early-stage issues before symptoms appear
- Dry eye treatment options, including TempSure radiofrequency therapy
- Cataract evaluations and in-house surgery with premium lifestyle lenses
- Glaucoma care with detailed pressure monitoring and tailored plans
- Diabetic eye care for blood vessel changes in the retina
- Macular degeneration management, including imaging and nutritional guidance
Our Medicare-approved surgical center offers a safe, comfortable setting for procedures like cataract and eyelid surgery, right here in Tupelo. You’ll work with the same caring team from your exam through follow-up.
Stay Independent, Active, and Clear-Sighted in Tupelo, MS
Aging may be natural, but losing your sight doesn’t have to be. If you see new symptoms or just want peace of mind, Wesson and Mothershed Eye Center offers expert care that suits your life and needs.
We believe that clear, comfortable vision is part of a full and active life. We’re here to help you keep it that way. Schedule your eye exam in Tupelo to find solutions for lifelong eye health.
Eye Disease and Aging FAQs
What are the most common eye problems after 50?
Aging eyesight problems often include cataracts, dry eye, glaucoma, AMD, and diabetic retinopathy. These conditions can affect focus, comfort, and safety.
At what age should you start getting yearly eye exams?
Starting at age 40, most adults should have eye exams every year. This is especially important after age 50. The risk of serious eye diseases increases significantly at that age.
Can vision loss from aging eye problems be reversed?
Some conditions, like cataracts, can be reversed with surgery. Our eye doctors can often manage conditions like glaucoma or AMD to prevent further damage, even though they can't cure them.
