Our eyes will go through different changes as we age, just like the rest of the body. You can’t run as fast or jump as high, and you wake up the morning stiff, and you need time to get going. With eyes, the aging changes begin to be noticed when you are in your 40s. One of the first references of people having decreased vision is found in the Bible (Genesis 27:1 NLT).
One day, when Isaac was old and turning blind, he most likely developed cataracts.
Parts of the Eye that Affect Your Vision as You Age
Tear Film
The light that enters the eye first encounters the tear film on the surface of the cornea (clear portion of the eye) on its way to be focused onto the retina. If the tear film is diminished or abnormal, the irregular surface on the tear film will blur the vision. Dry eye disease is the most common eye disease today in America. As people spend hours at a time staring at various flat-screen devices, their blinking is decreased and the eye begins to dry out. Young people are now developing dry eyes as they spend hours staring at these flat screens.
Cornea
There are many diseases that can affect the clarity of the cornea as the eye ages.
Lens Presbyopia
The lens inside the eye that you focus with begins to change as the eye ages, beginning in the 40s. When you are born, the lens in the eye is clear and very pliable. The lens can easily change its shape, allowing young people to see very fine detail up close. In your 40s, the lens loses its pliability, and you gradually lose the ability to focus up close. At first, you may have to hold things further away from the eyes, but eventually you need glasses to see up close unless you are nearsighted.
Retina
The retina is like the film in a camera or now a computer chip in the back of the eye. As people age, the retina can go through different aging processes. The macula can go through an aging process known as macular degeneration. The macula is responsible for your central vision, allowing you to read, watch TV, drive a car, etc. In people with macular degeneration, they may begin to notice a distortion in their vision. The degeneration will progress over time, which can lead to a loss of central vision.
Healthy Aging of the Eyes
Is there anything that you can do to keep you eyes healthy and continue to see well as you age? You can’t stop the aging process but you can decrease your risk of eye disease as you age. Here are some tips:
- Practice a healthy Mediterranean diet.
- Do not smoke.
- Always wear sunglasses outdoors.
- Limit time spent staring at flat-screen devices and lubricate your eyes when you are watching.
- Wear safety glasses while doing anything that could harm your eyes, such as yard work, construction work, sports, etc.
- Immediately see an eye doctor if you develop any symptoms related to your eyes.
Get Your Eyes Checked!
Take the first step towards better eye health today! Whether you need a routine eye exam, cataract consultation, or treatment for any eye condition, we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment with Dr. James E. Croley III and experience top-quality care at the Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida.
Dr. Croley is a member of the following professional organizations:
Schedule an appointment online or call our office near you!
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- (239) 772-2122
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- (239) 368-1020
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- 4061 Bonita Beach Road, 34134
- (239) 949-1190
