Anatomic Alterations in Aging and Age-Related Diseases of the Eye

Abstract

There are numerous anatomic age-related changes in the human eye. Current areas of investigation related to these changes include adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy imaging of the RPE mosaic in the context of aging, and drug delivery devices that overcome age-related alterations to retinal and macular perfusion.

Cellular responses following retinal injuries and therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases

“…This change eventually leads to several functional disturbances, such as changes in elasticity and hydraulic conductivity (Bhutto and Lutty, 2012;Ramrattan et al, 1994). Bruch's membrane also undergoes other biochemical and anatomical alterations with aging, such as calcification and lipid infiltration in the absence of any apparent retinal dysfunction (Grossniklaus et al, 2013;Mettu et al, 2012). AMD patients also experience alterations in retinal layer thickness, which is of importance since the measurement of retinal structures is known to correlate with visual acuity (Farsiu et al, 2014;Pappuru et al, 2011).…”

Computer-animated model of accommodation and presbyopia

“…Thus, there are proportionate reductions in lenticular accommodation, ciliary apex movement, and movement of the ora serrata. Grossniklaus et al 29 documented agerelated changes in all ocular tissues. The model demonstrates that presbyopia results in proportionate loss of movement in both lenticular and extralenticular elements.…”

“…The increase in ocular rigidity and loss of elasticity with age affect all ocular tissues. 29 The model does not demonstrate that the changes in the lens and lens capsule determine the stage of presbyopia, exclusively. It is evident that the aging of the extralenticular structures including the ciliary body and elastic foundation of the posterior zonular fibers are also major factors causing presbyopia.…”

Biophysical chemistry of the ageing eye lens

“…It is a complex arrangement of parts that directs light from the external environment to the light-sensitive cells of the retina, converting it into nerve signals (Grossniklaus et al 2013;Tortora and Derrickson 2008). To be fully functional, the human eye relies upon an interconnected series of components ( Fig.…”

“…There are many diseases that deleteriously affect vision and many of these are a product of ageing (Grossniklaus et al 2013). The vitreous humour is one example of a region that is strongly affected by age (Petrash 2013;Sebag 1987).…”