Our eyes change naturally as we get older. Some changes are a normal part of aging, while others may signal an eye condition that needs attention.
We spoke with Dr. John Stoffer, an ophthalmologist at UAB Callahan Eye, about what patients can expect as their eyes change over time.
Why reading gets harder with age
In our 20s, our eyes can easily shift focus between objects that are far away and those that are nearby. As we age, the natural lens inside the eye becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on close objects.
“As we age, the natural lens becomes more rigid and inflexible,” said Stoffer. “Therefore, many adults over the age of 40 develop a dependence on reading glasses.”
This is a normal process called presbyopia and is one of the most common age-related changes in vision.
Cataracts are part of aging
The natural lens also gradually becomes less clear as we age. This clouding is called a cataract.
“I like to think of cataracts not as a disease, but as a normal aging process,” said Stoffer. “Everyone will experience a cataract if they live long enough!”
UAB Callahan Eye is here for your eye care needs. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Stoffer or any of our providers, call or text 844-UAB-EYES or visit uabcallahaneye.org.
Most people do not begin experiencing noticeable cataract symptoms until their late 50s or 60s. Symptoms may include:
- Cloudy or foggy vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Glare or halos around lights
- Difficulty distinguishing colors
- Trouble reading, especially in dim lighting
When cataracts begin interfering with everyday activities, cataract surgery can help restore vision by removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens.
Dry eyes and floaters
Dry eye and eyelid inflammation, called blepharitis, also become more common with age. These conditions can cause a burning, gritty sensation and blurry or fluctuating vision that improves with blinking.
Floaters — small spots or shapes that appear to move across your vision — are another common part of aging.
“Floaters are a fact of life, and, unfortunately, they tend to worsen as we age,” said Stoffer.
Occasional, unchanged floaters are generally not concerning. However, a sudden increase in floaters or the appearance of flashes of light can be a warning sign of a retinal tear or detachment and should be checked promptly.
John Stoffer, M.D.About Dr. John Stoffer
Dr. John Stoffer is a comprehensive ophthalmologist dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered eye care. He completed his ophthalmology residency serving as chief resident at UAB Callahan Eye, where he gained extensive experience diagnosing and treating a wide range of eye conditions.
He sees patients in the Lions Eye Clinic as well as our Gardendale, and Trussville locations.