Changes in Vision
Beginning the fourth decade, the pupil begins to decrease in size and in response time to light. Because of these changes, it is estimated that older adults require three times the amount of illumination to see as a younger person. Also, focusing takes longer with an increase in nearsightedness, making small print harder to read.
Another normal change is thickening and yellowing of the lens of the eye. This results in light diffraction, increased sensitivity to glare, decreased depth perception, and more difficulty distinguishing pastel colors, especially blues and greens.
Non-normal changes of the eye include:
- cataracts
- significant darkening and blurred lens
- glaucoma
and various retinal disorders such as:
- macular degeneration
- diabetic retinopathy
Studies of persons with Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities
describe age related vision and hearing loss as significant. These conditions occur earlier and are more severe in individuals with intellectual disabilities.
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