The aging of the eye, a subject that concerns us all!
Our tissues and organs age . Unfortunately, the eye does not escape this harsh reality. Today it is important to protect his eyes against the ultraviolet rays , blue light and for some infrared . The aging of the eye is a subject that concerns all individuals, it is necessary to have ophthalmological and optometric check-ups once a year.
The aging of the lens
The lens is simply the lens that sits inside the eye, just behind the iris (see diagram). This one deforms by pressure from the ciliary muscle. This deformation allows to have a clear vision, it is the accommodation. The lens becomes less and less flexible over the years and this leads to the symptom of “arms that are too short”, presbyopia.
After Presbyopia, it is the transparency of the lens which is reached, the crystalline lens becomes opacified especially with exposure to the sun and blue light: this is the cataract .
The aging of the retina
The retina and its central part, the macula , allows to see the details, it is what allows the individual to be able to read and recognize shapes and faces. The aging of this can be very disabling, this is called age-related macular degeneration: AMD
The aging of the optic nerve
The optic nerve is simply the " messenger », the one who will transmit the visual information from the eye directly to brain . With age there is a decrease in the number of nerve fibers originating from the retinal ganglion cells. This reduction in the fibers of the optic nerve is accelerated in the event of chronic glaucoma, a disease whose incidence increases with age.
Aging tear glands
The eye is permanently soaked with tears secreted by the lacrimal glands . The secretion of his tears decreases with age, which can lead to eye dryness .
Aging tear ducts
The tears are processed by lacrimal ducts to the nasal cavities. With age, these pathways can shrink and/or clog . This results in individuals with intermittent or permanent tearing. If this discomfort is too great then it is possible to go through the surgery .
Vitreous aging
The vitreous is a transparent and homogeneous gel inside the eye. With age, certain parts liquefy, condense... Which leads to the appearance of " flying flies 'or' flashes of light ".