As we age, many changes take place in our bodies. One change you might not notice as easily is your vision. While you’re paying more attention to aches and pains, your eyes are slowly becoming less effective at their jobs. Worse yet, your risk for developing certain illnesses that affect the eyes increases. To properly care for your eyes, it’s best to know what to expect.
Possible Vision Changes As You Age
Your eyes may be affected by different things over time. These issues can be related to age-related changes in the eyes as well as diseases that you may develop.
- Dry eyes – Over time, your tear ducts will produce fewer tears so your eyes won’t be as moisturized. Talking with your doctor will help to determine if dry eye treatments are all that you need.
- Reduced color vision – The cells that usually translate color in the eyes decline with age so you can expect to see colors less brightly.
- Reduced peripheral vision – You’ll lose your peripheral vision by degrees as you age. By the time you’re in your 70’s, you may lose up to 30% of your ability to see in certain parts of your visual field.
- Decreased reaction to light changes – The muscles in your body get less flexible over time and your eyes are no different. As those muscles get less flexible, your pupil won’t be able to react as readily to changes in the light. The result is that you might not be able to see as well in low light.
- Presbyopia – This refers to the inability to see objects that are close to you or read the small print. You may notice this change in your late 30’s to your early 40’s.
- Floaters – Floaters and flashes of light become more likely as you get older. They usually appear in well-lit rooms. You shouldn’t take them lightly, though, as it may signal a more serious condition.