Adult health

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Cataracts and other age-related vision problems

As you age, so do your eyes. You might find that you have difficulty reading small print or that you need brighter lighting at your workstation. In addition, eye diseases that could lead to more-serious vision problems become more common with age.

Consider cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. Most cataracts develop slowly and don't disturb eyesight early on. At first, stronger lighting and eyeglasses can help you deal with cataracts. Eventually, however, cataracts can interfere with your vision. Left untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness.

1. Aging and your eyes. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/eyes.htm. Accessed July 26, 2010.
2. Jacobs DS. Cataract in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 27, 2010.
3. Jacobs DS. Primary open-angle glaucoma. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 27, 2010.
4. Arroyo JG. Age-related macular degeneration: Epidemiology, etiology, and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 27, 2010.
5. Arroyo JG. Age-related macular degeneration: Treatment and prevention. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 27, 2010.
6. Floaters and flashes. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://www.aao.org/eyesmart/diseases/floaters-flashes.cfm. Accessed July 27, 2010.