Which of the following changes occur in the cornea of elderly patients?

In elderly patients, the cornea often undergoes structural changes due to aging processes that affect its curvature. One of the notable observations is that the vertical meridian tends to flatten. This flattening can be attributed to a variety of factors, including changes in corneal hydration, a decrease in the structural integrity of collagen fibers, and overall corneal thinning. As the vertical meridian flattens, there can be a tendency for the horizontal meridian to remain relatively stable, which can contribute to the overall refractive changes seen in the elderly population.

Understanding the dynamics of corneal topography in older adults is essential, as it has implications for the development of refractive errors and the management of visual changes, including presbyopia. Notably, this flattening can lead to alterations in the astigmatic profile of the eye, impacting visual acuity and necessitating adjustments during the fitting of corrective lenses.