Eyes and vision develop fully in the early 20s and generally remain stable throughout the 30s. From middle age onward, the eyes begin to undergo gradual changes, primarily affecting vision.

Difficulty with near vision in middle age

Around 40-45 years old, many people begin to experience difficulty seeing nearby objects clearly, often needing to hold books or phones further away to read. This is a typical sign of presbyopia, a refractive change linked to the aging process.

According to the US National Eye Institute (NEI), as people age, the eye's lens becomes stiff and less flexible, making it difficult for the eye to adjust its focus for near vision. Presbyopia typically appears after 45 years old and can progress until about 65 years old.

Wearing reading glasses, prescription glasses, adjusting font sizes, or increasing illumination while reading can help improve this condition.

The eye's near vision capability may gradually decline as you enter middle age. *Illustration: AI*

Eyes require more light to see clearly

Older adults may notice a need for brighter light to read, work, or clearly see small objects. The ability to distinguish certain colors and contrasts may also diminish.

NEI states these changes are typically a natural part of the aging process and can be managed with appropriate corrective lenses or improved lighting conditions. Therefore, older adults should arrange for sufficient lighting in areas where they read, work, or move around, especially on stairs and in places prone to tripping.

Difficulty adapting to changing light

The eyes require time to adapt when moving from a bright area to a dark room or vice versa. This adaptive ability can decrease with age, making it harder for older adults to see clearly in suddenly changing light conditions. This is particularly important when transitioning from brightly lit areas to dark spaces or when driving at night.

Color and contrast perception may change

Over time, some individuals may find it difficult to distinguish between similar colors, such as blue and black. The ability to perceive boundaries between an object and its background may also decrease.

These changes can make tasks like reading small print, recognizing objects in low-light environments, or distinguishing steps more challenging. Increasing light and using clear colors and contrasts can facilitate daily activities.

Increased risk of dry eyes and eye diseases

Advanced age is a significant factor contributing to an increased risk of dry eyes. This condition can manifest as dryness, grittiness, burning, redness, or intermittent blurry vision. Individuals 50 years and older face a higher risk of dry eyes because the body may struggle to produce sufficient tears.

In women, hormonal changes during menopause can also contribute to this increased risk. Individuals experiencing persistent dry eyes, causing pain or affecting vision, should seek examination to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

While aging does not directly equate to vision loss, advanced age increases the risk of developing certain eye diseases such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.

Some age-related eye diseases can progress without clear symptoms in their early stages. Therefore, regular eye examinations help detect abnormalities early, before vision is severely affected.

Bao Bao (Compiled)