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
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. | 