For Your Information

The Aging Eyes

Like everything else in your body, eyes change as you get older, according to Timothy Wingert, O.D., associate director for public health at the American Optometric Association, Here, what to expect:

• Light Cravings. Your eyes may not adapt as well to darkness or dim lights. The Rx: Use brighter light when you read.
• Trouble Reading. As the lens in your eyes becomes less flexible, it's harder to read fine print or thread a needle. The Rx: Reading glasses and plenty of light.
• Glare. Another side effect of a changing lens: Light is scattered rather than focused in one spot on the retina. Oncoming headlights or bright sunlight may make it difficult to see. The Rx: Wear sunglasses during the day. At night, wear corrective lenses to bring things into sharper focus. And look away from oncoming headlights.
• Problems with Color Perception. If your lens becomes discolored, it's harder to distinguish among different colors. The Rx: Other than buying a neutral wardrobe, not much. Talk to your eye doctor; you could have a cataract.
• Floaters and spots. The vitreous fluid that holds the eye in place changes from a syrupy to watery consistency over time. The result: As light goes through the syrupy-watery mix, it causes the shadows we call floaters. The Rx: There's nothing you can do. But be vigilant. A sudden increase in their number along with the appearance of flashing lights or red sparks may signal a problem. See an eye doctor immediately.