Visual acuity as a function of age.

The literature relating visual acuity and the aging process is reviewed. The Snellen fraction, parameters affecting visual acuity and difficulties in comparing different studies in visual acuity are discussed. Visual acuity was found to be a poor 20/1,000 to 20/800 at birth but improved to an almost normal acuity of 20/20 during the first year of life and remained relatively constant from 40 to 50 years of age. There was a moderate but steady decline in acuity as a person ages above 60 and on to the age of 80. The disease and physiological etiologies for this loss in acuity are provided. Methods which may be used to maintain or improve visual performance with age are suggested.