Let’s be honest for a second: when we hit our 40s, things start to change. For some of us, it feels like we woke up one morning and suddenly we couldn’t read a menu or a text message as clearly as before.
It’s not just in our heads—our eyes change as we age, and if you’re in your 40s, you’re likely noticing a few of these changes already. So, if you want to know what’s happening to your eyes and how to keep them healthy, don’t stop reading.
1. Why does my vision seem to be getting worse?
Welcome to the world of presbyopia! This fancy word describes the gradual loss of your eye’s ability to focus on close objects, and it’s one of the most common changes people notice after 40. You know that thing where you hold your phone a bit farther away to read a text? Yeah, that’s presbyopia in action.
Why presbyopia happens:
The lens of your eye becomes less flexible over time, which means it’s harder for your eyes to switch focus between near and distant objects. It’s completely natural but a little annoying.
What you can do about it:
✔️ You can start with reading glasses if close-up tasks are becoming difficult. You’ll be amazed at how much clearer things look.
- ✔️ Progressive lenses or bifocals are another option if you already wear glasses or contacts. They’ll give you a little boost when reading without you needing to switch between pairs.
- ✔️ And of course, getting your eyes tested regularly is a good way to catch these changes early and get the right prescription if needed.
- ✔️ Progressive lenses or bifocals are another option if you already wear glasses or contacts. They’ll give you a little boost when reading without you needing to switch between pairs.
2. Why do my eyes feel drier than usual?
If you’ve been rubbing your eyes or blinking like crazy lately, you might be experiencing dry eye syndrome. As we age, our eyes naturally produce fewer tears, which means less moisture to keep things feeling comfortable.
Signs of dry eye:
→ A gritty or scratchy feeling in your eyes.
→ Redness or irritation, especially when staring at screens or in windy conditions.
→ Blurry vision that clears up when you blink.
What you can do about it:
✔️ Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to give your eyes a little hydration boost.- ✔️ Consider using a humidifier at home to prevent your environment from drying your eyes out even more.
✔️ Take screen breaks—the 20-20-20 rule (look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes) works wonders for giving your eyes a rest.
And if the dryness is becoming unbearable? Check in with us to explore more tailored treatments.
3. Am I seeing more floaters or flashes of light?
If you’ve noticed tiny squiggly lines, spots, or flashes of light in your vision, don’t panic—they’re called floaters and flashes, and they tend to become more common as we get older.
What causes floaters and flashes?
Floaters are usually harmless bits of gel or cells inside your eye’s vitreous humor (the clear substance in the back of your eye). As you age, the vitreous shrinks slightly, causing these little spots to float around. Flashes can happen when the vitreous pulls on the retina, creating the sensation of light.
When to get it checked out:
If you notice a sudden increase in floaters or flashes, or if a dark shadow appears in your vision, contact us immediately. These can be signs of retinal detachment, which is an emergency situation.
4. Why do I need more light to see?
If it feels like you’re constantly switching on extra lamps around the house, that’s because our eyes naturally need more light as we age. The lens inside the eye can become cloudier over time, making it harder for light to pass through.
What can help:
✔️ Use brighter lighting in areas where you read or do detailed work.- ✔️ Opt for task lighting or lamps with adjustable brightness to reduce strain.
And while we’re talking about dim vision, this brings us to…
5. What are cataracts, and should I be worried?
As we age, cataracts become a more likely possibility. A cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye, making everything appear blurry or hazy—kind of like looking through frosted glass. Cataracts develop slowly and are usually a result of aging, though they can form earlier in some cases.
Signs you might have cataracts:
→ Blurred vision, even with your glasses on.
→ Difficulty seeing at night or in low-light settings.
→ Colors may appear faded or dull.
What can be done:
Don’t worry—cataracts are super common and very treatable. If they begin to interfere with your daily activities, a quick and routine surgery can replace the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one. It’s an easy fix for an annoying problem!
6. Why am I more sensitive to light?
As we age, the pupil (the black part of your eye) becomes smaller and less responsive to changes in light. This means that your eyes may not adjust as quickly to bright light or glare, which can make stepping into sunlight or being in brightly lit rooms uncomfortable.
Tips for light sensitivity:
✔️ Wear sunglasses outdoors, even in winter. Polarized lenses are great for cutting down glare.
✔️ Consider wearing anti-glare lenses if you’re sensitive to bright screens or indoor lighting.- ✔️ Lower the brightness on your devices, and make use of blue light filters to reduce strain.
7. Is my risk for eye disease going up?
Unfortunately, yes. As we age, the risk for certain eye diseases increases, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy.
What to look out for:
→ Glaucoma: Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma can gradually damage your optic nerve without noticeable symptoms until vision loss occurs.
→ Macular degeneration: This affects your central vision, making it harder to see fine details, read, or recognize faces.
→ Diabetic retinopathy: If you have diabetes, this condition can damage the blood vessels in your retina and lead to vision problems if left untreated.
What you can do:
Regular eye exams are key! The earlier these conditions are detected, the better the chance of preventing serious vision loss. After 40, it’s a good idea to schedule eye tests annually or as recommended by your optician.- Keep an eye on any changes in your vision and report them as soon as possible.
8. Should I really be getting my eyes tested every year?
Short answer: Yes!
Your vision can change more rapidly than you might think, especially as you age. Regular eye exams help catch any early signs of issues like presbyopia, cataracts, or even more serious conditions like glaucoma. And let’s be real: who wouldn’t want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your eyes are in great shape?
Fun fact: Most of us don’t notice gradual vision changes, so we might not realise we need glasses or an updated prescription until it’s tested.- Plus, getting your eyes checked doesn’t just help with vision—it can also reveal underlying health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Final words of advice? Keep an eye on your eye health!
Aging isn’t all bad, but when it comes to your eyes, being proactive is key. You might not be able to stop the clock, but you can certainly take steps to ensure your eyes are healthy, comfortable, and functioning well for years to come.
So, if you’re over 40, now’s the perfect time to give your eyes a little extra attention. Grab those reading glasses, schedule that eye exam, and give your eyes the care they deserve. After all, they’ve been working hard for you!
And remember, the next time you find yourself holding that menu a little farther away, just smile—you’re officially in the club.