7 Ways Your Eyes Change as You Get Older

As you get older you may notice that your eyes are both looking and functioning differently. These age-related changes are a common part of the aging process.  If you are wondering what to expect from your eyes as you get older, then this article is for you. Here, the expert team at Wiles Eye Center discusses seven ways your eyes change as you get older.

1. Presbyopia

Presbyopia is the age-related loss of near vision. It occurs due to a loss of the eye’s lens flexibility. A common symptom of presbyopia that people notice is the need to hold reading material at arm’s length because their vision is blurred at normal reading distance.

2. Cataracts

Normally your eye’s lens is clear. However, as you age the proteins in the lens begin to break down. When the proteins clump together this can cause cloudiness of the lens called a cataract. Age-related cataracts can begin to develop when a person is in their 40s or 50s.

Cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss and blindness. While cataracts may be a natural consequence of aging, they can be removed via cataract removal surgery.

3. Age-Related Eye Diseases

There are a number of eye diseases that become more common as a person ages. These diseases can change your eyes and impact your vision. Some of the most common diseases that can occur as you get older include the following:

• Age-related macular degeneration
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Glaucoma

4. Decreased Color Vision

The retina is responsible for color vision. As a person ages, the cells that are responsible for color vision can deteriorate. This can impact your color vision. Over time you may notice that colors are less bright and that you are less able to distinguish between colors.

5. Dry Eye

As a person ages, the quantity and the quality of their tears can decline. This can lead to dry eye. Dry eye is especially common among those over the age of 50. If you are experiencing dry eye, you should explore your dry eye treatment options.

6. Reduced Pupil Size

Aging can impact the size of a person’s pupil. As a person ages, it is common for muscles to lose strength. This includes the muscles that control the pupil size. This can make the pupils smaller and less responsive to light changes.

7. Droopy Eyelids

Ptosis is a condition where one or both eyelids droop. This can interfere with vision and the appearance of the eyes. A common treatment for droopy eyelids is eyelid surgery.

Schedule an Eye Exam

As you age it is important to schedule regular eye exams. Schedule your eye exam today by contacting Wiles Eye Center. Fill out our online contact form or call our St. Joseph, Missouri office at (816) 279-7015 or our Kansas City, Missouri office at (816) 455-2020.

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How Cataracts Affect Your Vision

The eye’s natural lens is normally clear. The lens bends incoming light and focuses it to help you see. A clear lens facilitates crisp, clear vision.

A clouding of the eye’s natural lens is called a cataract. Cataracts are a progressive condition. This means that if the cataracts are not treated, they will continue to worsen and affect your vision.

Wiles Eye Center offers quality cataract removal surgery. Here, our knowledgeable ophthalmologists discuss how cataracts affect your vision.

Blurred Vision

Cataracts can affect your vision in a number of ways. Notably, as cataracts spread across the eye your vision may become cloudy. It may look like you are seeing through a film or a foggy window. Your vision will most likely become progressively blurred over time.

Light Sensitivity

Cataracts can also make you sensitive to light. You may notice that your vision is especially affected in bright sunlight or in brightly lit rooms. Lamps that you used to be comfortable using may seem too bright.

Glare Around Lights

Cataracts can also cause glare or halos around lights. You may notice that when you are out at night street lights or car headlights cause a glare and/or have a halo.

Colors Appear Faded

One surprising effect of cataracts is that they can affect the way you see color. Colors may appear dull or faded. As the cataracts progress it may become difficult to distinguish colors.

Trouble Seeing in Low Light

Cataracts can make it difficult to see in low light. You may notice that you need a brighter reading light in dimly lit rooms.

Trouble Driving at Night

Cataracts can make it difficult to drive at night. This is due to the glare and halos around lights. You may struggle with glare from the headlights of oncoming traffic or from streetlights.

Double Vision

Sometimes cataracts can make you see double. This means that you have double vision out of the eye being affected by the cataract.

Second Sight

One surprising feature of cataracts is that they can actually improve vision … temporarily. This phenomenon is called “second sight” and refers to the temporary improvement of distance vision due to cataracts. If a patient is farsighted, they may notice that their near vision is temporarily improved.

Schedule an Appointment

Are cataracts affecting your vision? Call (816) 279-7015 to schedule an appointment at Wiles Eye Center in St. Joseph, Missouri or call (816) 455-2020 to schedule an appointment at our Kansas City, Missouri location.

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Are You at Risk for Macular Degeneration?

The macula is located at the back of the eye. It is part of the retina and is responsible for your central vision, most of your color vision and seeing fine details.

Age-related macular degeneration is a progressive disease that damages the macula and impacts central vision. There are two types of age-related macular degeneration: wet and dry. It is a serious condition that can cause vision loss and even blindness.

There is currently no cure for macular degeneration. However, early detection and treatment can help to prolong vision and prevent additional damage. Here, the experienced team at Wiles Eye Center discusses factors that may indicate that you are at risk for macular degeneration.

Age

Age is the leading risk factor for developing macular degeneration. The older a person is, the more likely they are to develop macular degeneration. If you are 55 or older you are more likely to have macular degeneration.

Genetics

A family history of macular degeneration may indicate that you are at an increased risk for developing macular degeneration. If you are unsure of whether you have a family history of macular degeneration, you should ask your close relatives.

Smoking

Smoking is another risk factor for developing macular degeneration. The good news is that this is a modifiable risk factor. If you take steps to quit smoking, you may lower your risk for developing macular degeneration.

Race and Sex

Age-related macular degeneration is more likely to affect Caucasians. It is also more likely to affect females than males.

Certain Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure and obesity can put you at an increased risk for macular degeneration. Talk to your physician about managing these conditions.

Light Eye Color

If you have blue eyes, you may have an increased risk of developing macular degeneration. People with lighter colored eyes tend to have a higher risk while people with darker eyes tend to have a lower risk. This may be related to the eye’s sensitivity to light. Light eyes are more sensitive to sunlight.

Sun Exposure

Most people know that sun exposure can put their skin at risk, but sun exposure can also put their eyes at risk. Unprotected sun exposure can put you at risk for macular degeneration. Protect your eyes when you are outside. Wear sunglasses that offer protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Contact Wiles Eye Center

Macular degeneration can be diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. Contact Wiles Eye Center today to schedule your eye exam. Fill out our online contact form or call our St. Joseph, Missouri office at (816) 279-7015 or our Kansas City, Missouri office at (816) 455-2020.

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