age-associated changes in the eye

Introduction

The eye undergoes change with aging.

Pathology

• macular degeneration
• glaucoma
• cataracts

Physiology

• arcus senilis
• decreased pupil size (senile miosis)
• growth (thickening) of lens
  • anterior chamber becomes more shallow
  • increased intraocular light scatter
  • diminished light reaching photoreceptors
  • increased opacity of lens & vitreous humor
• decreased accomodation (presbyopia)
• decreased visual acuity
  • largely decrease in dynamic acuity (moving target)
• decreased depth perception
• decreased color sensitivity
• decreased contrast sensitivity
• change in the axis of astigmatism
• decreased corneal sensitivity
• poor light/dark adaptation
• retinal pigment epithelium changes
• endothelial changes (atherosclerosis)
• increased pressure in anterior chamber
• decreased lacrimation
• loss of periorbital fat results in sunken eyes & laxity of eyelids

More general terms

• age-related physiological changes

Additional terms

• eye
• eye disease (ophthalmopathy)
• vision
• visual impairment