There are many diseases, disorders, and age-related changes that may affect

the eyes and surrounding structures.

As the eye ages, certain changes occur that can be attributed solely to the
aging process. Most of these anatomic and physiologic processes follow a
gradual decline. With aging, the quality of vision worsens due to reasons
independent of diseases of the aging eye. While there are many changes of
significance in the non-diseased eye, the most functionally important changes
seem to be a reduction in pupil size and the loss of accommodation or
focusing capability (presbyopia). The area of the pupil governs the amount of
light that can reach the retina. The extent to which the pupil dilates decreases
with age, leading to a substantial decrease in light received at the retina. In
comparison to younger people, it is as though older persons are constantly
wearing medium-density sunglasses. Therefore, for any detailed visually
guided tasks on which performance varies with illumination, older persons
require extra lighting. Certain ocular diseases can come from sexually
transmitted infections such as herpes and genital warts. If contact between
the eye and area of infection occurs, the STI can be transmitted to the eye.[104]

With aging, a prominent white ring develops in the periphery of the cornea
called arcus senilis. Aging causes laxity, downward shift of eyelid tissues and
atrophy of the orbital fat. These changes contribute to the etiology of several
eyelid disorders such as ectropion, entropion, dermatochalasis, and ptosis.
The vitreous gel undergoes liquefaction (posterior vitreous detachment or
PVD) and its opacities — visible as floaters — gradually increase in number.

Eye care professionals, including ophthalmologists and optometrists, are

involved in the treatment and management of ocular and vision disorders.
A Snellen chart is one type of eye chart used to measure visual acuity. At the
conclusion of a complete eye examination, the eye doctor might provide the
patient with an eyeglass prescription for corrective lenses. Some disorders of
the eyes for which corrective lenses are prescribed include myopia (near-
sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia (the
loss of focusing range during aging).
Macular degeneration
[edit]

Main article: Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is especially prevalent in the U.S. and affects roughly

1.75 million Americans each year.[105] Having lower levels of lutein and
zeaxanthin within the macula may be associated with an increase in the risk of
age-related macular degeneration.[106] Lutein and zeaxanthin act
as antioxidants that protect the retina and macula from oxidative damage from
high-energy light waves.[107] As the light waves enter the eye, they excite
electrons that can cause harm to the cells in the eye, but they can cause
oxidative damage that may lead to macular degeneration or cataracts. Lutein
and zeaxanthin bind to the electron free radical and are reduced rendering the
electron safe. There are many ways to ensure a diet rich in lutein and
zeaxanthin, the best of which is to eat dark green vegetables including kale,
spinach, broccoli and turnip greens. Nutrition is an important aspect of the
ability to achieve and maintain proper eye health. Lutein and zeaxanthin are
two major carotenoids, found in the macula of the eye, that are being
researched to identify their role in the pathogenesis of eye disorders such as
age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.[108]

Sexuality
[edit]

Human eyes (particularly the iris and its color) and the area surrounding the
eye (lids, lashes, brows) have long been a key component of physical
attractiveness. Eye contact plays a significant role in human nonverbal
communication. A prominent limbal ring (dark ring around the iris of the eye) is
considered attractive.[109] Additionally, long and full eyelashes are coveted as a
sign of beauty and are considered an attractive facial feature.[110] Pupil size has
also been shown to play an influential role in attraction and nonverbal
communication, with dilated (larger) pupils perceived to be more attractive.
[111]
It should also be noted that dilated pupils are a response to sexual arousal
and stimuli.[112] In the Renaissance, women used the juice of the berries of
the belladonna plant in eyedrops to dilate the pupils and make the eyes
appear more seductive.

 Long, thick, and dark eyelashes are considered an attractive facial feature as
they draw attention to the eyes. Subject exhibits trichomegaly (exceptionally long
lashes)

A thick, dark, limbal ring is seen as an attractive feature

Pupils dilate in response to sexual arousal and larger pupils are perceived to be
more attractive
Images
[edit]
 

Right eye without labels (horizontal section)

The structures of the eye labeled

Another view of the eye and the structures of the eye labeled
 See also
[edit]

 Anatomy portal

 Eye colour
 Eye development
 Eye disease
 Eye strain
 Hyaloid canal
 Iris recognition
 Knobloch syndrome
 Lacrimal caruncle
 Rheum
 Spectral sensitivity
References
[edit]

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