Warning signs of a serious eye problem Eyes aren't exempt from the wear and tear of aging. Some of the age-related changes in the eyes are annoying but not serious — for example, it can become difficult to focus on near objects, and eyelashes may thin out a bit. But other changes can be serious eye problems  that threaten vision. Get your copy of The Aging Eye: Preventing and treating eye disease   As the eyes age, problems with vision become more common. The Aging Eye: Preventing and treating eye disease explains how to recognize the risk factors and symptoms of specific eye diseases — cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy — and what steps you can take to prevent or treat them before your vision deteriorates. With age, the eyes' ability to stay lubricated starts to wane. This can leave eyes feeling irritated, sticky, dry, or gritty. The lens of the eye can become less elastic. Night vision may also start to suffer, which can pose problems when driving at night. In contrast, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy can rob you of your sight. How do you know if an eye problem is a nuisance or the start of something serious? The following signs and symptoms warrant a call to your doctor. Catching serious eye problems early can help preserve your vision. Even non-vision-threatening eye problems can be treated to keep your eyes comfortable and your eyesight as sharp as possible. Call your doctor if you experience any of the following: Change in iris color Crossed eyes Dark spot in the center of your field of vision Difficulty focusing on near or distant objects Double vision Dry eyes with itching or burning Episodes of cloudy vision Excess discharge or tearing Eye pain Floaters or flashers Growing bump on the eyelid Halos (colored circles around lights) or glare Hazy or blurred vision Inability to close an eyelid Loss of peripheral vision Redness around the eye Spots in your field of vision Sudden loss of vision Trouble adjusting to dark rooms Unusual sensitivity to light or glare Veil obstructing vision Wavy or crooked appearance to straight lines For more information about keeping your eyes healthy, read The Aging Eye, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. Image: CentralITAlliance/Getty Images Share this story:

Choosing the right sunglasses The easiest way to protect your eyes from the sun's hazardous radiation is to wear sunglasses, not only in the summer months, but year-round. Ultraviolet (UV) light can damage the iris, retina, lens, and cornea, leading to permanent vision loss. It's a good idea to request UV protection (an invisible coating) on all of your prescription glasses. UV light has three wavelengths: UVA is long, looks almost blue in the visible spectrum, and is responsible for skin tanning and aging. It may also contribute to skin cancer risk. UVB is shorter and more energetic, and it's linked to sunburn and skin cancer. A large portion of UVB light is absorbed by the atmosphere's ozone layer. UVC is short. It is completely absorbed by the ozone layer. Sunglasses are labeled according to guidelines for UV protection established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). There are three categories: Cosmetic. These lightly tinted lenses are good for daily wear. They block 70% of UVB rays, 20% of UVA, and 60% of visible light. General purpose. These medium to dark lenses are fine for most outdoor recreation. They block 95% of UVB, 60% of UVA, and 60% to 90% of visible light. Most sunglasses fall into this category. Special purpose. These are extremely dark lenses with UV blockers, recommended for places with very bright conditions, such as beaches and ski slopes. They block 99% of UVB, 60% of UVA, and 97% of visible light. Just because a lens is expensive or appears darker doesn't mean that its ability to block out UV radiation is any greater than that of a cheaper or lighter lens. Look for the ANSI label. Even inexpensive sunglasses can be protective. There is some evidence that blue light from the sun may contribute to the development of age-related macular degeneration. Lenses with a red, amber, or orange tint may provide better protection against this light. You may find less distortion, however, with gray or green lenses. If you aren't sure what kind of sunglasses to buy or think you may be at high risk for eye disease, ask an eye care professional for a recommendation. For more information about keeping your eyes healthy, read The Aging Eye, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. Image: Zinkevych/Getty images Share this story:

Featured in this issue

The Aging Eye: Preventing and treating eye disease Featured content: • How the eye works • Common changes in the aging eye • SPECIAL SECTION: Safeguarding your sight • Cataracts • Glaucoma • What causes glaucoma? • Age-related macular degeneration Click here to read more »