Most people have good vision into their 70s and 80s. However, approximately 10% of those aged 65-75 have significantly impaired vision (enough to affect their ability to function), and the numbers increase with age. The proportion increases to 16% in those aged 75-84 and 27% in those aged 85 and older.

Because of normal age-related changes in the eye, older adults typically experience one or more vision problems including:

• decreased sharpness of vision
  
• less ability to focus on objects at different distances
  
• decreased visual perception due to glare
  
• decreased ability to judge distances
  
• diminished peripheral vision
  
• a need for strong light
  
• some alteration of color sense and discrimination.

Presbyopia, the inability of the lens to focus on objects closer than 1 or 2 feet, is a universal age-related change.

Common Eye Disorders in Older Adults

Although they are not part of the normal aging process, there are several common eye disorders that older persons experience including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. Cataracts, in particular, are a problem for older adults. Cataracts are a major cause of blindness in the elderly, and approximately 25% of Americans over age 65 have them.

Simulate vision disorders online

 

Implications for Older Adults

When older adults have vision changes and problems, it can have implications for many regular activities of daily life.

Declining Senses Simulations

They may become less able to function in the physical environment and become more isolated from others. For example, they may have difficulties reading recipes, labels on packaged foods and cleaning containers, newspapers, books, telephone directories, and prescription medicine labeling and other materials. They often feel more vulnerable to danger and crime. They may reduce or eliminate favorite hobbies such as reading. Vision impairment is strongly associated with greater difficulty in performing daily activities such as walking, getting outside, getting in and out of chairs, and getting in and out of bed.

Learn About Modifications for
Older Adults with Vision Problems

 

References and Further Resources on Aging and the Eyes

Web Sites

National Eye Institute

Technologies for Independence

Vision Simulator

Articles & Reports

Eleanor E. Faye & William Stappenbeck. (2000). Changes in the aging eye. New York, N.Y.: Lighthouse International.
http://www.lighthouse.org/aging_eye_main.htm

National Eye Institute. (1997). Life with low vision: a report on qualitative research among people with low vision and their caregivers: executive summary. MD: National Eye Institute.
http://www.nei.nih.gov/nehep/execsum.htm

National Institute on Aging. Age Page. (1995). Aging and your eyes. Washington, D.C.: National Institute on Aging.
http://www.nih.gov/nia/health/agepages/eyes.htm

Schmall, Vicky L. (1993). Sensory changes in later life. Oregon State University Extension and Experiment Station Communications.
http://eesc.orst.edu/agcomwebfile/edmat/pnw196.pdf

Steinberg, J. (1995). Graying of the Senses. Journal of National Institutes of Health Research, 7 (4): 32-33.