Decline in Near Vision (Presbyopia)
As we age, the lens loses its flexibility and a condition called presbyopia starts which involves the inability to see near objects clearly. It is not possible for the lens to resume its flexible condition. The most common method to correct near vision is to use reading glasses.
Scleral and Conjunctival Thinning
Sclera and conjunctiva are the white outer part of the eye. As we age, this part adopts a yellow hue, and colored spots called pigments start to form. If the sclera gets too thin, its color turns grayish blue.
Decrease in Tear Production
Aging causes a decrease in conjunctiva and lacrimal glands. Even if you have dry eye, you may experience an overflow of tears due to excessive itching and burning. Dry eye may cause tear overflow, redness and stinging.
Droopy Eyelids
The eyelids have the thinnest skin tissue in the body. The eyelids may also relax and roll inwards or outwards. As the eyelids roll inwards, the eyelashes may touch the inner surface of the eye and cause irritation whereas eyelids rolling out may cause an outflow of tears.
Reduced Pupil Size
As we age, the pupils get reduced in size and delayed pupillary response to light occurs.
Eyes Becoming Less Distinct
The eyes become less distinct due to the reduction of fat tissue in the orbit. Sometimes, the eyes look smaller because of droopy eyelids.
Increase in Eye Floaters
Black spots floating in your vision increase due to loss of water in the vitreous which fills the vitreous cavity that makes 80% of the eye.
The findings defined above are usually the result of a natural process that comes with aging. Most of them don't cause problems and some are treated by simple methods. However, many eye conditions become more likely to happen with age. Annual check-ups are crucial for diagnosing and treating eye conditions that frequently occur as we age.
CONDITIONS THAT MAY DEVELOP IN THE EYE DUE TO AGING
