Common Ways the Eyes Change as We Age 

As we age, various changes occur in the eyes that can affect our vision and eye health. These changes are a natural part of aging and can vary from person to person. Understanding how the eyes change as we age is important for maintaining optimal eye health and seeking appropriate care when necessary. In this guide, our optometry team at Atlantic Eyecare in Virginia Beach, VA, will discuss some of the most common changes to watch out for.

Lower Tear Production

Dry eye can happen to anyone at any age. However, it tends to be common in older adults, as tear production reduces over time. Our eye doctor can recommend eyedrops and other courses of action.

Difficulty Seeing Up Close

Presbyopia is a common vision issue for people over 40. It makes reading and other up-close activities a challenge. However, eyeglasses and some prescription eye drops can help. Remember, presbyopia can be present alongside different vision and eye health issues, so it’s important to let our optometry specialist know.

Declined Central Vision or Peripheral Vision

Several people notice decreased peripheral vision over time due to aging or glaucoma. Central vision also tends to diminish, typically due to age-related macular degeneration.

Smaller Pupils

Like other parts of the body, the eye muscles can weaken. This weakness includes the muscles that control your reaction to light. The pupils tend to get smaller, leading to difficulty seeing in areas with low light.

Weakened Eyelid Muscles

If your upper eyelid is droopy, you might have a condition called Ptosis. It occurs when the eyelid muscles weaken and can be common in aging adults. Our eye doctor can discuss surgical options if this condition is severe enough to impair your vision.

Reduction in Color Vision

Cells in the eyes that help see colors can shrink or diminish. This shrinkage leads to more faded color due to aging. The severity of this color blindness can vary.

Visit Our Optometrist

If you’ve experienced any of the changes above or noticed any changes with your eyes, let our team at Atlantic Eyecare in Virginia Beach, VA, recommend the best treatment. Call us at (757) 340-7070 to schedule an appointment.