There are several eye problems that are more common among people
as they age, although they can affect anyone at any age. They
include:
Presbyopia: This is the loss of the ability to
clearly see close objects or small print. It is a normal process
that happens slowly over a lifetime, but you may not notice any
change until after age 40. Presbyopia is often corrected with
reading glasses.
Floaters: These are tiny spots or specks that
float across the field of vision. Most people notice them in
well-lit rooms or outdoors on a bright day. Floaters often are
normal, but can sometimes indicate a more serious eye problem, such
as retinal detachment, especially if they are accompanied by light
flashes. If you notice a sudden change in the type or number of
spots or flashes you see, visit your eye doctor as soon as
possible.
Dry eyes: This happens when tear glands cannot
make enough tears or produce poor quality tears. Dry eyes can be
uncomfortable, causing itching, burning, or (rarely) some loss of
vision. Ironically, patients with dry eyes often complain of
tearing because dry eyes are easily irritated, and the eye tries to
wash out the irritation using excess tears. Your eye doctor may
suggest using a humidifier in your home, nutritional supplements,
such as flaxseed oil, medications to reduce inflammation as a
cause, or special eye drops that simulate real tears. In more
serious cases of dry eyes, plugs may be used to block drainage
ducts for tears.
Tearing: Having too many tears can come from
being sensitive to light, wind, or temperature changes. Protecting
your eyes by shielding them or wearing sunglasses can sometimes
solve the problem. Tearing may also mean that you have a more
serious problem, such as an eye infection, dry eyes, or a blocked
tear duct. Your eye doctor can treat or correct all of these
conditions.
Cataracts: Cataracts are cloudy areas that
cover part of or the entire lens. Since a healthy eye lens is clear
like a camera lens, light has no problem passing through the lens
to the back of the eye to the retina where images are processed.
When a cataract is present, the light cannot get through the lens
as easily and, as a result, vision can be impaired. Cataracts often
form slowly, causing no pain, redness, or tearing in the eye. Some
stay small and do not alter eyesight. If they become large or
thick, cataracts can usually be removed by surgery.