Typical changes in aging eyes

According to the Lighthouse National Survey on Vision Loss (2001), 21% of people in the U.S. age 65 and older report some form of vision impairment. Our eyes do change as we age, just like the rest of our body. Somewhere between ages and 40 and 50, the lens becomes less elastic and we have more trouble focusing on reading and other close tasks. We may also notice:

• Eyes need more light to see
• It’s harder to tell color differences, especially shades of blue and green
• It’s more difficult to focus on things that are near
• Adjusting to glare and darkness is more troublesome

Regular vision exams become increasingly important, both to ensure we’re using the proper lenses and to check for eye diseases and conditions.

Not all changes in vision are normal. Any changes in the appearance of your eyes or vision should be investigated with your eye doctor. According to Lighthouse International, you should consult your eye doctor immediately if you notice any of the following changes in your vision:

• Double or blurred vision
• Halos around lights
• Faces are not clear
• Faded or distorted print
• Parts of letters or words are missing
• Sparks of light appear off to the side
• One or both eyes suddenly hurt
• Sudden appearance of “floaters”
• Depth perception on stairs or curbs hard to judge

If you experience any of these vision changes, see an eye doctor for a complete eye exam. Even if you have no signs, remember to get you eyes examined by an ophthalmologist on a regular basis. Early detection and treatment can be key to preventing sight loss.