Vision Changes in Older Individuals

In older individuals there is a decline in the visual acuity and normal changes caused by the aging process result in progressive changes to a person's vision.

-Progreesive Farsightedness causing a person to develop blurring of vision when trying to read objects that are close such as a book or menu
-The skin around the eyes or eyelids may droop as the skin looses elasticity and can occlude a person’s visual field known as senile ptosis. (loose skin causes a blockage of vision)
-There can be a decrease in muscle strength or the eye and cause the eyelid not to close completely leading to corneal dryness (dry eyes).
-The conjunctiva, the thin membrane over the sclera, has goblet cells which produce mucin (lubricant of the eye). Aging eyes have a decrease in number of goblet cells and thus have a decrease in tear production. (eyes dry more easily)
-The cornea, which refracts light, becomes flatter, less smooth, and thicker making older eyes more susceptible to astigmatism (blurred vision)
-Pupil size is smaller creating a slower constriction in the presence of bright light. There is a slowing of the pupil’s dilation in dark settings and a slowing in an aging eye’s ability to accommodate to changes in light. (a person has difficulty adjusting vision when going from a well-lit place to a dark place-it takes longer to be able to see)
-Glare occurs often in sunlight as well as reflecting off shiny objects. (glare around an object obstructs a person's vision)
-Older eyes need three times more light making night vision impaired for older adults.
-Peripheral vision also decreases (less able to see directly to the side of a person).
-There is a yellowing of the lens causing some reduction of the eye’s ability to discriminate blues, greens, and violets; A person can see these colors better: yellows, oranges, and reds

ANNUAL EYE EXAMINATIONS are encouraged.
Wear glasses and update glasses routinely.
Be cautious when driving at night or in bad weather.

SEEK MEDICAL EVALUATION:
-If pain occurs suddenly with changes in vision.
-If you see a shower of particles
-If there is blurring of vision accompanied by a headache

GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY VISION FOR THE FUTURE!