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Most changes in vision occur in the early and later years of
life. Although some people may discover they have nearsightedness
-- or difficulty seeing at a distance -- as late as their mid-20s,
vision typically stabilizes during the late teen years. From
then until around age 40, vision typically changes little, if
at all.
Presbyopia
- Age-related loss of close-up vision
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At about 40 years of age, seeing to read or do close
work such as sewing may become difficult. This is known
as "presbyopia." Presbyopia, a name that comes from the
Greek words for "old eye," occurs because the crystalline
lens, an essential component of the eye's refractive,
or light-bending structure, loses flexibility as it grows
thicker with age. This lack of flexibility affects the
ability to focus on close objects.
Generally, by around age 45, reading glasses may be required
for nearby tasks. If near- or farsightedness is also present,
a number of vision correction options will be evaluated
to best meet your needs. |
Spots
and floaters
People of every age may at times see spots and floaters, which
appear to look like specks of material, cobwebs, thread-like
strands or showers of brilliant crystals. During the middle
years of life, they may become more frequent. These are optical
defects that occur, as the vitreous, the jelly-like body in
the main globe of the eye, becomes less jelly-like and more
liquid as time goes by. This change is not always uniform, and
so the mixture of jelly-like and liquid materials can affect
the passage of light to the retina.
The result is seen as 'floaters.' Although spots and floaters
are typically not of concern, they should be evaluated promptly.
If you suddenly experience a large number of floaters, don't
delay in making an appointment. A sudden change may signify
that something is wrong.
Glaucoma
For adults, it is important to schedule regular eye examinations
in order to detect and treat any occurrence of glaucoma in its
earliest stages. Most types of glaucoma occur without the presence
of any symptoms and can only be detected during a routine eye
examination. Glaucoma occurs when fluid pressure inside the
eye rises, cutting off the blood supply in the very small arteries
carrying food and oxygen to the retina and causing loss of side
vision or blindness if left untreated. It is a condition that
can be arrested or slowed down but not reversed, so early detection
is essential. Treatment often involves special eye drops or
medicine, but, in some cases, surgery may be required. If detected
early, chances that vision can be maintained are usually very
good.
Retinal
disorders
Retinal disorders have a greater chance of developing in older
adults, due to the aging process. These often impair central
vision. Advances in eye and health care have made treatments
more successful, with chances of maintaining good vision now
better than ever. Conditions once considered sight threatening
may now be successfully treated if diagnosed early.
Suggestions
for better sight
- Be aware of your visual limitations and compensate
for them.
- You may need more light for reading and other close
tasks. Move the lamp closer to you and/or use a larger
watt bulb. It is a fact that a 60 year old needs three
times as much light as a 20 year old to see near work
as easily.
- Side vision and reaction time may reduce with age.
Keep this in mind while driving or walking near traffic.
- Limit night driving to well-lighted roads; keep
headlights and windshields clean; and be visually
aware of traffic.
- Be sure to keep glasses clean.
- Be sure to wear distance spectacles if they are
prescribed for you. While you may feel that your distance
vision is as good as it was when you were younger,
very often this is not the case.
Although natural vision changes can't be prevented, they
need not mean giving up activities such as driving your
car. By practicing good health habits and having regular
eye examinations, you should be able to continue an active,
productive and independent life.
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