Categories: eye care

Why Do Aging Eyes Need More Light?

Your eyes and vision will reach complete development by the time you’re in your early 20s. Usually, you won’t notice significant changes in your vision until your 40s. It isn’t uncommon for older adults to experience difficulty in reading small print or need more light to see clearly. Learn why it happens from a local orthokeratology specialist. 

Aging Eyes: Why Do They Need More Light?

In your 40s, the lenses of your eyes can start to turn yellow and get more rigid. It can reduce the amount of light that enters your eyes and affect color accuracy and focus. As you age, your corneas can thicken and become more opaque. Your pupils can also begin to shrink. These changes can further decrease and diffuse the light that reaches your eyes. 

Individuals who are 65 and older might need more light to see clearly. Their eyes might take longer to adjust from light to dark environments and vice versa. It can be more challenging for older adults to focus on nearby objects. They can also experience sensitivity to glare.

Tips to Help You Adjust to Vision Changes

See Your Eye Doctor Regularly

Regardless of age, you must see an eye exam doctor regularly. Doing so helps in detecting and treating vision-threatening conditions in their early stages. Macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma are some of the most common eye problems in older adults. They don’t usually show early signs, and you might not know you have them until they have progressed. 

Make Necessary Changes to Your Home

People who are 65 and older often need twice as much light as young adults to see well. You can make your living space safer by increasing ambient light. Consider adding dimmer switches so each family member can easily adjust the room’s illumination depending on their needs. Place task lighting wherever they are necessary. It’s also essential that light switches are easy to access. 

Don’t wait for your vision to change before seeing an eye doctor. For personalized eye care services, turn to Lumen Optometric. Besides providing eyeglasses and contact lenses, we specialize in orthokeratology and neurolens therapy. Call us at (626) 921-0199 or complete our online form to schedule an appointment.

Lumen Optometric

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