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Eye disease in older people

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2013

Robert MJ Purbrick ,
John J Ah-Chan  and
Susan M Downes
Robert MJ Purbrick
Affiliation:
Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford
John J Ah-Chan
Affiliation:
MidCentral DHB Palmerston North Hospital, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Susan M Downes*
Affiliation:
Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford
*
Address for correspondence: Susan M. Downes, Oxford Eye Hospital, West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU. Email: susan.downes@ouh.nhs.uk
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Summary

Age-related changes affect all structures of the eye, and while age-related changes may influence the quality of vision, it is important to distinguish age-related physiological changes from pathological changes. This is important particularly when identifying pathological changes that may be treatable. The prevalence of visual loss increases substantially after 60 years of age and poor vision is the second most prevalent physical disability in older people. This review describes the normal ageing changes of the eye and outlines common ophthalmic diseases affecting older people. We refer to recent advances in diagnosis and treatment, and relevant current research.

Keywords

ageingeyevision disordersmacular degeneration
Type
Review Article
Information
Reviews in Clinical Gerontology , Volume 23 , Issue 3 , August 2013 , pp. 234 - 250
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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