Age-related Eye Conditions: What to Expect As You Get Older

Aging is inevitable from the moment we are born and continues until we leave this blue rock. In their life’s journey, people often find it necessary to fix visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.

But they rarely think about their vision until the changes start taking place and their vision is threatened. Usually, people will start experiencing changes in their vision once they turn 40, continuing until they are about 61.

What Changes in Your Vision Should You Expect?

You Need to Use Brighter Light. As you age into your 40s and 50s, you will need more light to see clearly than you previously did. You can use brighter desk lamps in your study area or even when reading a book in your room.
Challenges Doing Close-up Work. Things that used to be clear when up close may suddenly appear blurry. The main reason for this is the loss of flexibility in your eye's natural lens that comes with age.
Issues With Glare. You are likely to notice more glare from the reflection of light off windshields or even street and headlights when you drive at night. The reason for this is an accumulation of debris in the eye's natural lens that causes light to scatter as it enters the eye.
Color Perception. Another change that may occur to the lens is discoloration, also due to debris. Discoloration of the eyes lens leads to colors losing their luster and appearing duller than they used to be.
Insufficient Tear Production. As you age, your tear glands are likely to produce fewer tears than when you are younger, especially for women. This affects women more because of the hormonal changes that start with menopause. The result is dry eye syndrome and the associated symptoms like irritated and dry eyes.

Common Age-related Conditions

Presbyopia

The most prevalent eye condition that develops as you age is presbyopia or farsightedness. It results in the inability to see close-up objects as clearly as you used to and may start presenting symptoms in your forties.

However, it is unlike the standard form of farsightedness called hyperopia, which occurs due to structural changes in the eye. Presbyopia develops as your eye's lens loses flexibility and the ability to shift focus. It can be corrected with reading glasses or bifocals if you already have vision issues.

Floaters and Flashes

When you look at blank walls or pieces of paper or walk into a well-lit room, you may notice tiny blurry specks in your field of vision. When you try to turn and look at them, they seem to flee; the reason for this is that they are inside your eye.

These tiny specks, also called floaters, are clumps of protein inside your eye that usually become more common as you age. You may also notice bright flashes of light called flashers, typical with age. Small amounts of these are normal, but if the number increases, it could indicate a severe condition.

Epiphora or Excessive Tearing

You may also experience excessive tearing as your eyes become more sensitive to light or wind. This could occur due to blocked tear ducts or eye infections. You must see an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis.

For more information on age-related eye conditions and what to expect as you get older, visit Prism Eye Center at our office in Post Falls, Idaho. Call (208) 203-7616 to book an appointment today.