Vision changes with age

12 October 2021

As we age our vision is affected, this is why it is important to have our eye exams. Here are 10 common vision changes during this stage of life.

DIFFICULTY READING SMALL PRINT
It is common that after the age of 40, it is difficult to perform activities that require visual effort, such as reading small print or sewing. Wearing the right glasses can help us do this.

LITTLE VISION AT NIGHTS
Our eyes take longer to adjust to darkness, the rods in our eyes responsible for low-light vision weaken as we age.

DRY EYES
An uncomfortable eye condition called “dry eye” develops, which occurs when tears cannot supply our eyes with enough moisture. It is mostly common in women who have been through the menopause.

LOSS OF CONTRAST SENSITIVITY
Objects with similar backgrounds become more difficult to distinguish. There are low vision techniques to treat this problem, for example, using opposite colors in our home.

BLEPHARITIS
It is an inflammation of the eyelid, common as we age, which produces: red or swollen eyes, a feeling of lagainess or scabs around the eyelashes, or pain.

WATERFALLS
When the natural lens of our eyes becomes cloudy. The proteins in the lenses that we have inside the eye break down, which causes us to see in a confused way, blurry or with less color.

MACULAR DEGENERATION (AMD)
It usually occurs in those over 50 years: patients do not usually notice symptoms during the early stages, but their central vision eventually diminishes. Your ophthalmologist can indicate the appropriate treatment.

GLAUCOMA
This disease damages the optic nerve and can cause blindness, if not treated in time. It is common in older people, but it can be diagnosed at any age.

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
When someone with diabetes has very high blood sugar levels, the blood vessels in the retina can be damaged, causing loss of vision. There are several treatments that can help.

MYODESOPSIES, FLASHES, OR FLOATING BODIES IN YOUR VISION
A gelatinous substance called vitreous, which fills half of the eye, can thicken or shrink, forming small groups of gel that cause what we call myodesopsia or floating bodies. They are not serious and tend to fade over time. In any case, you should consult your ophthalmologist.

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