It is a fact that many things begin to slow down when as you age. As we age, changes in the visual system cause presbyopia or farsightedness- this can occur between the ages of 40-45. The eyes lose their ability to accommodate, and the individual may feel that they have eye fatigue and blurred vision. Bifocals can correct this problem.

Other effects of aging on the eyes include:

eyebrows and eyelids lose their pigmentation

eyelids begin to lose their orbital fat, and may be sensitive to touch

sclera  may yellow

conjunctiva may have small yellow spots

cornea– a yellow ring may form around the

tear or lacrimal ducts- may decrease tear production

Iris- decreased pupil size, slower dilation after exposure to light, decreased near vision

Retina- Changes in color perception, decreased sharpness in vision

Vitreous Humor- floater (specks)

If this is not enough of a problem, many of us begin to have eye disorders:

Glaucoma- an eye disorder characterized by increased interocular pressure. This pressure can damage the optic nerve.

There is drug therapy for treating glaucoma- eye drops. Some of the side effects include double vision

Cataracts– a cataract is an opacity that appears within the crystalline lens and may effect one or both eyes.

Cataracts are the 3 rd most common cause of blindness, and 50% of adults over the age of 65 have them.

Treatment is surgery, although some drug therapy may be used.

Taken in part from:Gauwitz, D. (2011) Administering Medications. Minneapolis, Minn. Mc Graw-Hill