Age related eye problems

While some eye conditions are caused by illness (e.g. diabetic retinopathy) or damage of one or more components of the eye, others are a result of the normal ageing process.

Presbyopia ('ageing eye') is very common and happens to almost everyone at some point in life. It is a natural part of the ageing process of the eye and results from the loss of flexibility within the eye's lens. It affects the ability to focus on close objects, leading to blurred vision. People with Presbyopia find that they need to hold books or newspapers at arm's length in order to read properly. Presbyopia deveolps over a number of years and usually becomes noticeable in the early to mid forties. It can be corrected though glasses, contact lenses and laser technology.

Hyperopia (far-sightedness), is a common vision problem which affects about a fourth of the population. People with hyperopia have problems seeing objects that are close up, but can see objects in the distance very well. Unlike Presbyopia it occurs when light rays entering the eye focus behind the retina, rather than directly on it. The eyeballs of a far-sighted person tend to be shorter than the normal average, with more steeply curved corneas. Far-sightedness can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Myopia (short-sightedness), on the other hand, is a condition experienced by up to a third of the population. It often runs in families and usually develops in childhood and stabilises at a certain age. Short-sighted people have difficulties seeing objects in the distance but can carry out close tasks such as reading.