There are a number of common eye complaints among older citizens, including presbyopia, floaters, dry eyes and tearing. Presbyopia is a slow loss of ability to see close objects or small print. It is a normal process that happens over a lifetime and is often corrected with reading glasses.
Floaters are tiny spots that float across the field of vision.
Often normal, floaters sometimes warn of serious eye problems. See an eye doctor if you notice flashes or a sudden change in the type or number of spots. Dry eyes happen when tear glands don't make enough tears or make poor quality tears. A humidifier or special eye drops can help, though surgery may be needed for more serious cases. Tearing , or having too many tears, can come from being sensitive to light, wind or temperature change.