"Why is my vision getting worse?"
This is a common question, asked by many at any given point in their lives, but particularly as they get older. Even those who enjoyed perfect vision growing up and during their early adulthood find the glasses-free lifestyle does not last as we age into our forties, fifties, and sixties.
So, what is happening? Why do our eyes – and our vision – change so drastically as we age?
For many, by the time we hit the age of forty, we start noticing signs of deteriorating vision. The most common complaint is a decreased ability to read or work up close. Letters on newsprint blurs, the contrast between like-colours diminishes until everything starts to blend into a haze.
So, what is happening? Why do our eyes – and our vision – change so drastically as we age?
For many, by the time we hit the age of forty, we start noticing signs of deteriorating vision. The most common complaint is a decreased ability to read or work up close. Letters on newsprint blurs, the contrast between like-colours diminishes until everything starts to blend into a haze.
As we age, the translucent lens responsible for helping us with near vision becomes cloudy and stiffens, limiting its natural elasticity. Without that elasticity, the lens cannot accommodate well for a near focal point, and with the growing opacity less light is able to travel through the eye to reach the retina and our vision becomes hazy.
