Even adults who have always had good eyesight may begin to notice changes in their vision as they age. Sometimes, however, it can be difficult to tell whether the changes occurring are indicative of an eye disease or are simply the natural result of aging.
To aid in our understanding of what “normal” vision looks like over the age of 60, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has put together a helpful online guide describing some of the most common vision changes experienced by older adults. These include the following:
- A longer time needed for eyes to adjust and focus, especially during the transition from a brightly lit area to a dimly lit area and vice versa.
- More difficulty driving at night due to the challenge of adjusting between light and dark.
- More difficulty distinguishing between an image and its background when both feature the same subtle gradations of tone. This development is referred to as a loss of “contrast sensitivity.”
While these changes may be part of normal vision development, seniors should visit their ophthalmologist or eye care professional if they are experiencing any discomfort or the changes are causing problems in daily life. In addition, the AAO recommends that all adults over the age of 65 undergo a complete eye exam at least once every two years.
