COMMONS WAYS OUR EYES CHANGE WITH AGE

What might you hear at your future eye exams?  As we age, our bodies experience occasional decline in overall performance, including the performance of our eyes. The age-related vision changes become more noticeable, often starting around the age of 40.  Some changes are normal while others are hints at disease entities.   This is why eye exams are so important.  Comprehensive eye exams are recommended every 1-2 years but you should see your eye care provider when in doubt if things don't seem right.

PRESBYOPIA:  Presbyopia is a normal condition caused by the decline in our focusing muscles.  Most people notice that they must turn lights up to read or hold reading material a little further away.  This is corrected with the aid of reading glasses, progressive lenses or multifocal contact lenses.  Presbyopia usually starts in the early 40s and will plateau in the late 50s.

PUPILS:  Muscles that control pupil size and reaction lose strength with time, causing the pupil to become small and less reactive to light as we age. 

DRY EYES: Our bodies produce fewer tears or poorer quality tears with age.  Woman are more affected than men.  Also, we may develop medical conditions (like diabetes or autoimmune disorders) and need medications, both of which can cause dry eye syndrome.

CATARACTS: Our natural crystalline lens ages and becomes gradually cloudier, often starting around age 40.  While this is normal and usually very slow-progressing, we will experience more light sensitivity, glare, and less sharpness to things. Make sure your glasses are UV-protected and start awareness at an early age to combat cataracts.

FLOATERS: The gel that fills our eyes is called vitreous.  With age, the vitreous changes and develops opacities that look like strands or spots "floating" in our vision. However, occasionally they are a dangerous complication that requires intervention.

As you age, vision will change and the only way to know those changes are normal is to have a comprehensive eye exam every year with your eye doctor who will educate you on ways to protect and preserve your eye health.