8 Ways Your Eyes Change With Age

Our eyes and vision change with age. Your eye doctor can monitor these changes — some of which are a natural part of the aging process — and identify any eye conditions or diseases early enough to treat them and prevent vision loss.

Age-Related Eye Conditions and Diseases

Cataracts

A nuclear cataract — the type usually caused by aging — may at first lead to increased nearsightedness. But with time, the lens gradually turns more densely yellow and clouds your vision. Cataract surgery, where the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear lens, is an extremely safe and effective treatment option.

Blepharoptosis

Ptosis is a drooping of the upper eyelid that may affect one or both eyes. It occurs when there is weakness of the muscle that lifts the eyelid. This condition is usually caused by aging, eye surgery, or disease. Blepharoptosis can be corrected with surgery.

Vitreous Detachment

This occurs when the gel-like vitreous fluid inside the eye begins to liquefy and pull away from the retina, causing "spots and floaters" and sometimes flashes of light. If you experience sudden or worsening flashes and increased floaters, see our team immediately to determine the cause.

Other Age-Related Changes

Presbyopia

Starting in your 40s and 50s, the lens inside your eye begins to lose its ability to change shape and bring near objects into focus. This is called presbyopia. Bifocals, multifocals, or PALs (progressive addition lenses) can be combined with contact lenses to address different visual distances.

Reduced Pupil Size, Dry Eye, and Loss of Peripheral Vision

As we age, our reaction to light and the muscles that control pupil size lose some strength. Tear glands also produce fewer tears. Additionally, aging causes a 1-3 degree loss of peripheral vision per decade, which can also indicate the presence of a serious eye disease like glaucoma.

Decreased Color Vision

The cells in the retina responsible for normal color vision tend to decline as we age, causing colors to become less bright. Though a normal part of aging, faded colors can at times signal a more serious ocular problem.

To find out more and to schedule your annual eye doctor's appointment, contact St. Clairsville Eyecare in St. Clairsville today. Call (740) 695-0444.