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While eye problems can affect people of any age, some conditions become more common after age 40. Some are normal, or at least expected; others are of greater concern and will require treatment. Here’s how to keep your eyes healthy and address certain problems.

Glaucoma, the second leading cause of permanent blindness in the US, is a group of disorders that damage the optic nerve. It is a complex disease, and while there is currently no cure, diagnosis and prompt treatment can slow or stop progression of vision loss. All adults should have regular eye exams starting at age 40, whether vision is normal or not.

There are about one million cases of shingles in the US each year, and up to 20% of those involve nerves in the head, where the infection can affect various parts of the eye. If a case of shingles involves the upper face, forehead, or scalp, it is important to see an ophthalmologist promptly, because complications can lead to eye damage and possible vision impairment.

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in people over 60. In order to preserve vision, it鈥檚 important to understand the stages of ARMD, its signs and symptoms, how the disease progresses, how to monitor it, and what treatments are available.

Different types of laser vision correction procedures have been available since the mid-1990s, but the newest development, small incision lenticule extraction, combines the advantages of the other variations while offering a comfortable procedure with a quick recovery.

Over seven million people have diabetic retinopathy, the most common form of vision loss in working-age adults with diabetes. It鈥檚 recommended that people with diabetes should work to keep blood pressure in the normal range and their A1c level below 7% to avoid complications such as diabetic retinopathy.

New research considers whether certain eye conditions may help predict Alzheimer鈥檚 disease. The common link? Cardiovascular disease, which is partly preventable.

When kids pack for summer camp, sunglasses may not always top the supply list. But I made them a priority for my 12-year-old son Carson, who just started rowing camp in Florida, because eyes are vulnerable to damaging ultraviolet rays, which are especially intense near reflective surfaces. Ultraviolet rays can damage the eyes several way, ultimately leading to cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other thieves of vision. You don’t have to spend a bundle to get a good pair of sunglasses. Just make sure to pick ones that block close to 100% of ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B (UVA and UVB) rays.