Vision Changes with Age: What’s Normal, and What’s Cause for Concern?

Vision changes are typical as you age. For many, these changes are mild and part of the normal aging process, but some signs could indicate a more serious issue that needs attention.

So, how can you tell what’s normal and what warrants an exam? Read on as Nicanor Lacsina, O.D. and Yelena Pinkhasova, O.D., highlight what vision changes are typical, what changes cause concern, and how the Bainbridge Eye Care team can help you get the answers you need.

What is normal as you age?

While vision changes can occur at any age — myopia is common in children, for example — and some changes are more common as you age.

Difficulty reading

It may be challenging to focus on close objects such as:

A menu, especially in a dimly lit restaurant
A newspaper article, book, or tablet
Fiber art crafts, such as knitting, crocheting, or needlepoint
Labels on food boxes

This condition is called presbyopia, and it’s perfectly normal — reading glasses or progressive lenses often help with this. You might notice this change as early as your mid-forties.

Thanks to our on-site lab, our team can get you the glasses you need to make reading easier again.

Colors seem duller

You may also notice that colors appear duller or that it takes longer for your eyes to adjust between light and dark environments. This change occurs because the photoreceptor cells in your retina (i.e., your rods and cones) become less sensitive as you age, which means that some colors appear less bright than they used to appear.

Dry eye syndrome

Dry eyes, which cause mild discomfort or a gritty feeling, become standard with age as tear production decreases. Age isn’t the only risk factor for dry eyes. Computer usage and many types of medication can also contribute to dry eye syndrome.

Just because dry eyes are common doesn’t mean you’re stuck with them. Our team offers several therapies for dye eyes, including medication, punctal plugs, and Prokera®.

Vision changes that need your attention

Some vision changes prompt you to visit us in the Bronx, New York, as soon as possible, including:

Sudden changes in your vision
Blurry vision
Dark spots
Sudden flashes of light
Vision loss (including partial)
Light sensitivity
Eye pain

These issues aren’t just bothersome; they could point to conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, or retinal problems that need treatment. Because some of these conditions can lead to irreversible blindness, don’t postpone your appointment. Swift treatment can delay the progression of the disease or even halt it altogether.

Five strategies to keep your eyes healthy as you age

While you can’t do anything to stop the natural aging process, you can implement simple lifestyle choices that can keep your eyes healthier.

Wear sunglasses

Ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your eyes and exacerbate age-related conditions, including macular degeneration and cataracts. For example, UV exposure can damage the protein in your lens, contributing to cataract formation.

Protect your eyes from UV light with quality sunglasses. Sunglasses aren’t just for summer months. Wear them year-round, including when skiing this winter, since the bright sun reflects sun rays.

Eat healthy foods

What you eat can provide the nutrients your eyes need. Specifically, foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids benefit your eyes.

Tasty examples include raw red bell peppers, dark leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, carrots, salmon, and sweet potatoes.

Stop smoking

Smoking isn’t just bad for your lungs; it can also speed up the progression of age-related eye diseases. For example, people who smoke are four times more likely to experience macular degeneration (a leading cause of blindness). If you smoke, consider cessation for the sake of your vision.

Manage underlying health conditions

Your overall health can impact your eyesight, especially for conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure — both of which can increase your risk of glaucoma.

Schedule regular eye exams

Regular eye exams don’t just help correct vision issues — although that’s part of it! They allow Nicanor Lacsina, OD, or Yelena Pinkhasova, OD, to catch eye diseases early before they cause significant vision loss.

Many eye conditions, like glaucoma or macular degeneration, don’t show noticeable symptoms initially. Routine exams can detect changes you don't notice yourself, and early intervention can potentially save your eyesight! Glaucoma, for example, can be treated with eye drops.