Common Age-Related Eye Problems

What are common age-related eye problems?

As you age, you may notice changes that affect your eyes and vision. You may also experience unusual conditions that make it more difficult for your eyes to work like they should. Many eye problems can affect your eyes and vision as you age. They often get worse over time, if untreated.

The most common age-related eye conditions are:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
• Cataracts.
• Diabetes-related retinopathy.
• Glaucoma.

As you get older, you may develop other eye conditions like:

• Age-related farsightedness (presbyopia).
• Astigmatism.
• Dry eyes.
• Eye floaters.
• Farsightedness (hyperopia).
• Flashes of light.
• Low vision.
• Nearsightedness (myopia).
• Retinal detachment.
• Watery eyes.

Eye specialists can correct many problems with aging eyes. They can treat other problems to reduce symptoms and maintain your vision for as long as possible. In some cases, you may develop a severe age-related eye disorder, which can cause partial vision loss or blindness.

Regular eye exams can help protect your eyes and your ability to see the people and places you love. Talk to your healthcare provider about reducing your eye disease risk and protecting your vision.

What are the symptoms of common age-related eye conditions?

Many people with age-related eye diseases don’t have symptoms, especially in the early stages. Symptoms depend on the condition you have and may include:

• Cloudy or blurred vision.
• Discomfort, burning eyes or stinging.
• Producing too many or too few tears.
• Seeing spots or flashes of light in your field of vision.
• Sensitivity to bright light or glare.
• Trouble telling colors apart (like dark blue and black).
• Tunnel vision (peripheral vision loss).

Symptoms can make it hard for you to perform daily tasks due to:

• Difficulty reading fine details or small print.
• Headache.
• Incorrectly judging distances.
• Problems focusing on or switching focus between near and far objects.
• Reduced ability to see well at night.
• Tired eyes.

What causes age-related eye conditions?

As you age, you may notice changes in your body. Some of these changes can weaken your vision and eyes. For example:

• After age 40, your tear production tends to decrease, causing dry eyes.
• Proteins in your lens start to break down as you get older, which can lead to cataracts.
• The vitreous, a gel-like fluid in the middle of your eye, starts to shrink as you age, which can cause floaters or retinal detachment.
• The lens of the eye becomes less flexible, which can cause presbyopia, or reduced near vision.

What are some complications of age-related eye problems?

Eye conditions can increase your risk of injury due to falls or accidents. Your eye care specialists may also find indications of other health problems during your eye exam.

Sometimes, eye problems can indicate:

• Aneurysm.
• Cancer.
• Diabetes.
• Heart disease.
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Sjögren’s syndrome.
• Vitamin A deficiency.
• Stroke.
• Tumors.

How are age-related eye problems diagnosed?

Eye care specialists diagnose and treat problems that affect your eyes using several tests. A comprehensive eye exam includes eye dilation (ophthalmoscopy or fundoscopy). This test gives your specialist a complete view of the back of your eye (your retina).

During this procedure, your ophthalmologist:

1. Puts drops in your eyes.
2. Waits for 15 to 20 minutes for your pupils to fully widen (dilate).
3. Shines a light in your eye to look for signs of eye disease or other conditions.

You typically wear sunglasses or disposable shades until your pupils return to normal. Your eyes may be light-sensitive for several hours, so arrange for someone to take you home.

How are they treated?

Treatment depends on the eye and vision problems you develop as you age. Weak eyesight may mean using brighter lights or motion lights around your house or a magnifying device to read. Your specialist may recommend more frequent eye exams to monitor your condition.

Eyeglasses, contacts, other vision aids or vision correction surgery can allow you to see better, improving your quality of life and independence. Eye drops, including artificial tears, or tear duct plugs may also help ease less serious symptoms.

What medications or procedures can treat severe eye problems?

For more severe age-related eye problems, your specialist may recommend:

• Low-vision aids or rehabilitation therapy.
• Medication (oral or injection).
• Nutritional supplements, including AREDS2, a special dietary supplement designed to slow vision loss for people with intermediate or late age-related macular degeneration.
• Eye surgery for conditions like glaucoma, cataracts or retinal detachment.

How can I prevent age-related eye problems?

Comprehensive eye exams are the most important way to prevent eye problems and care for your eyes and vision, especially if you have underlying conditions like diabetes. Make regular appointments with your eye care specialist even if you don’t notice vision changes or have symptoms.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a complete eye exam with your ophthalmologist every year or so after age 50. Ask your specialist how often you should have eye checkups.

An optician, who works with optometrists and ophthalmologists, can fit you with prescription glasses, dispense contacts or help you with other corrective vision aids. They can also adjust or replace existing glasses, lenses or frames. Consult your eye care specialist as your vision needs change.

What can I expect if I have an age-related eye problem?

In many cases, your specialist can help you maintain or correct your vision. But some conditions, including glaucoma, cause damage that can’t be reversed. Talk to your provider about ways you can slow symptoms and adapt to the challenges of reduced vision. They can connect you with resources and other supports to help you continue living as well and independently as possible.

How do I take care of my eyes and vision?

Take steps to help protect your eyes and prevent vision loss:

• Eat nutritious foods: You can nourish your eyes — and vision — by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables every day. Eating fish and nuts high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may benefit eye health.
• Know your family history: You may be at a higher risk for developing genetic disorders that can affect your eyes.
• Manage diabetes and high blood pressure: These conditions may cause eye problems if unmanaged.
• Wear sunglasses and a brimmed hat: Protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can raise your risk of developing eye disease.
• Quit smoking: Tobacco use can increase your risk of eye problems like cataracts and AMD. Quit smoking to lower your risk of eye conditions. Ask your provider for helpful resources.

When should I seek emergency care?

See your eye specialist or go to the ER if you develop:

• Blurred vision.
• Double vision.
• Eye injury.
• Eye pain.
• New floaters or flashes.
• Red eye or swollen eyelid.
• Sudden vision loss.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

It’s normal for your vision to change as you get older. You might have more trouble driving at night or difficulty focusing on nearby objects. Get regular eye exams from an eye care specialist to help you maintain good vision and eye health. This is especially important if you have a family history of disorders that may affect your eyes. Finding common age-related eye problems early can lead to more effective treatment, helping you see the world around you clearly.