Sight as you age Dr Gill Jenkins A gradual failing of sight used to be accepted as an inevitable part of ageing. It's true you'll be less able to focus on close objects as you get older, but most people should have good sight into their 80s or 90s.

In this article

Common conditions Other causes

What can you do? How to improve your sight

A number of eye problems are more likely to occur as you get older.

Floaters

These small, dark, floating marks on your sight are usually harmless, although they may be a nuisance on bright days. However, if they change or you experience bright flashing lights at the same time, seek immediate help - these are warning signs of more serious problems.

Cataracts

These cause cloudiness of the lens in the eye. They affect 71 per cent of people over 85 but may not be noticed until they're quite severe.

They occur as a result of ageing but are more common among diabetics, after trauma and in those those taking medication such as steroids.

Cataracts can't be managed by drugs, but surgery is effective. It involves removing the affected lens and possibly replacing it with an implant.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is caused by an increase in the pressure in the eye. Left untreated, the retina and nerves become damaged and sight deteriorates. You may also notice pain and redness. There are various reasons why pressure builds, some of which run in families.

Glaucoma can be treated by drugs that lower the pressure. Surgery may also be necessary to help fluid in the eye drain correctly.

Age-related macular degeneration

This is a change in the centre of the eye causing slow loss of central vision. In most cases it isn't treatable, but it doesn't usually lead to complete loss of vision.

Damage to the fine blood vessels in the eye can cause loss of vision. Certain conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, make this damage more likely. For this reason, it's important to keep chronic conditions well managed.

Some medications can affect your vision, such as malarial treatments and steroids. Check whether the medication you've been prescribed has any side-effects.

Smoking, high alcohol intake and drug abuse are known to speed up several eye disorders.

If you notice your vision is deteriorating, it's important to visit your GP or local eye hospital. The eye is a sensitive organ and prolonged problems can cause severe visual loss, if not blindness.

As well as treating the specific cause of your loss of vision, you can make the most of the sight you have in the following ways:

• Make sure you have good lighting in your home. Generally, you need brighter lighting as you get older.
• Use low-vision aids, such as magnifying glasses, large print books, talking books and Braille stickers.
• Mobility training and guide dogs are a valuable source of help to many people.
• Talk to your GP about support, training and counselling.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in July 2007.
First published in March 2000.