Sensory Health and Healthy Aging: Vision

As lifespans increase, the number of older-aged adults in the United States and many other countries worldwide is increasing. This demographic shift in the United States has been driven in part by the aging of the so-called baby boomers (those born between the years following the end of World War II in 1946 and about 1964). By 2030, approximately one out of every five Americans will be above the age of 65 years (Ortman et al., Econ Stat Adm US Dep Commer [Internet]. 2014;1964:1–28. Available from: https://www.census.gov/prod/2014pubs/p25-1140.pdf). This projected growth of older people means that most physicians, including ophthalmologists, will have to acquire skills in evaluating and treating the unique physiologic and pathologic changes which are common in older patients. This chapter reviews physiologic and pathologic changes of the aging eye and reviews interventions which can prevent diseases that affect vision and cause disability.