Some physical changes occur during the normal aging process that can cause a gradual decline in vision, but most older people retain good eyesight into their 80's and beyond. Older people generally need brighter light for such tasks as reading, cooking, or driving a car. Certain eye disorders and diseases occur more frequently in old age, but a great deal can be done to prevent or correct these conditions. Make plans for care at once if you have signs such as loss or dimness of vision, eye pain, discharged fluids from the eye, double vision, or redness or swelling of the eye or eyelid. There is no known prevention for presbyopia, but the focusing problem can be relieved with glasses.
Floaters are tiny spots or specks that float across the field of vision.
Most people notice them in well-lighted rooms or outdoors on a bright day. Although floaters are normal and usually harmless, they may be a warning of certain eye problems, especially when occurring with light flashes. If you notice a sudden change in the type or number of spots or flashes, call your doctor. Dry eyes occur when the tear glands produce too few tears. The result is itching, burning, or even reduced vision.