Vision
Age-related changes in vision are common. Some changes are more serious than others. The more common changes in eyesight as we age include:
- Increased sensitivity to glare
- Increased time for eyes to adjust between low and bright light
- More difficult to focus on small print
- Eyes need more time to change focus between close and distant objects
- Peripheral vision decreases
- More difficulty determining how close you are to an object
These conditions can usually be improved with glasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery. There are also more serious eye diseases and disorders that can lead to vision loss or blindness:
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Age-related Macular degeneration
- Diabetes related eye disorders
All of the above often contribute to a fall, so getting regular eye exams and seeing an eye professional as soon as you have trouble with your vision is extremely important.
Resources
- Vision Public Information Network
- UNC School of Medicine
Department of Ophthalmology
Living with Low Vision - National Eye Institute
- Medline Plus
- National Institute on Aging