# Visible Effects of Time!

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/visible-effects-of-time

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-12

> **Summary:** The risk of many eye diseases rises with age. Op. Dr. Deniz Oygar Baylançiçek of Kudret Eye İstanbul explains cataract, presbyopia, glaucoma, macular degeneration and menopause-related dry eye, and how they are treated or prevented.

## Quick Facts
- **Cataract:** More common after the age of 55-60; surgery is the only treatment
- **Presbyopia:** Begins around the age of 40
- **Glaucoma:** Risk rises after 40 and becomes marked after 60
- **Macular degeneration:** Most common over 55 - 60 years of age
- **Menopause:** Occurs between 45 - 55 on average; a cause of dry eye in women

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## Age-Related Eye Diseases
Under-eye bags, cataract, eye pressure and macular degeneration occur at different ages but become more common with age; dry eye and presbyopia (difficulty seeing near) are also age-related.

## Cataract and Presbyopia: Intraocular Lenses
- **Cataract:** Dulling of the eye's natural lens; can be congenital, but mostly develops with age and becomes more common after 55-60. Untreated, it can progress and completely prevent vision. Surgery, replacing the lens with an intraocular lens, is the only treatment.
- **Presbyopia:** The lens loses flexibility and cannot focus near, from around 40; glasses are needed for near vision.
- Multifocal intraocular lenses allow clear vision at near, medium and far distances and freedom from reading glasses.

## Glaucoma
- Raised eye pressure is the main risk factor; damages the optic nerves and can cause permanent vision loss.
- Can occur at any age; risk rises after 40 and becomes marked after 60. It may progress without complaints, so regular examinations matter.
- **Risk group:** Over 40, family history of glaucoma, diabetes, long-term cortisone therapy, high eye pressure, high hypermetropia, high myopia, eye trauma.
- Treated with medication, laser or surgery depending on type.

## Macular Degeneration
- Most common over 55 - 60.
- **Causes:** Ageing, hypertension, genetic factors, smoking, long sun exposure, high cholesterol, being overweight.
- **Recommendations:** Quit smoking, wear UV-protective sunglasses, eat green vegetables, have regular examinations. Lutein, vitamins A, C, E and zinc are important in preventive treatment; consult a doctor.

## Menopause and Dry Eye
- Menopause (45 - 55 on average) reduces tear production and increases evaporation; some menopause medications also cause dry eye.
- Untreated dry eye can cause permanent damage to the cornea.
- Eye examinations are recommended during menopause alongside gynaecological checks and bone measurements.

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## References
- What Is Presbyopia?, American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Cataracts, National Eye Institute
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), National Eye Institute