Have you noticed labels are getting a little harder to read? Do you find yourself holding your phone farther away to read text messages? Maybe your eyes feel dry and tired more often than they used to. If so, you’re not alone. These are all signs your eyes may be changing with age.
Most people think wrinkles and gray hair are part of getting older but your eyes age too. We spoke with Roy Swanson, MD, a comprehensive ophthalmologist with Banner – University Medicine, to learn more about common age-related eye problems and how to protect your eyes for years to come.
How your eyes change with age
Like your skin and muscles change over time, so do your eyes. Some small changes happen so slowly that you might not notice immediately. Others can sneak up on you and make daily tasks like reading, driving or working on a computer harder.
Here are some of the most common changes that happen to your eyes as you get older:
- Your eyes might not focus as well: When you are younger, your eyes could quickly shift focus between close and far objects. “As you age, the lens of your eye becomes stiffer and the muscles inside the eye weaken, making it harder to focus on near objects—a condition called presbyopia,” Dr. Swanson said. “This usually starts around age 40.”
- Your night vision may worsen: You might find it harder to see in low light. Driving at dusk or night may be stressful, especially if other car headlights are too bright or you see halos around the lights.
- Your eyes might feel dry or itchy: Tear production can slow down with age. This means your eyes may feel dry, irritated or like there’s something in them.
- Your risk for certain eye diseases increases: As you age, you’re more likely to develop eye problems, which we’ll discuss next.
Common eye conditions in older adults
Here are a few eye conditions that happen more often as we age. Knowing the signs can help you catch them early and protect your eyesight.
Cataracts
“The most common cause of visual impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses is cataracts,” Dr. Swanson said. “This happens later in life, usually after age 60.” However, genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors, such as desert climates, can increase the risk of developing cataracts earlier.
A cataract is when the clear lens in your eye becomes cloudy. It’s like looking through a foggy window. Cataracts can make your vision blurry, faded or dim. Colors might not look as bright. Cataracts often grow slowly and can be fixed with surgery if needed.
“Cataract surgery not only improves sight but may also reduce the risk of falls, cognitive decline and even increase lifespan,” Dr. Swanson said.
Signs of cataracts:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Trouble seeing at night
- Faded colors
- Double vision in one eye
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is known as a silent disease because it causes no symptoms early on. It damages the optic nerve, which sends signals from the eye to the brain.
Glaucoma often happens when pressure builds up in the eye. Regular eye exams are important to detect it early. If not treated, it can lead to vision loss.
Signs of glaucoma (in later stages):
- Loss of side vision (peripheral vision)
- Tunnel vision
- Eye pain or pressure (in rare cases)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
This condition affects the macula, the part of your retina (the back of the eye) that helps you see fine details. Without treatment, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
“There are two types of AMD — dry and wet,” Dr. Swanson said. “Dry AMD is typically managed with AREDS2 vitamins, a healthy diet and avoiding smoking and protecting eyes from UV rays. Wet AMD requires eye injections in the eyes.”
AREDS2, or Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2, is a specific supplement blend that includes vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein and zeaxanthin. They’ve been shown to slow the progression of moderate and advanced AMD.
Signs of AMD:
- Blurry or wavy spots in your central vision
- Trouble seeing straight lines clearly
- Needing brighter light for close work
Diabetic retinopathy
This is an eye disease that can happen if you have diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina. Over time, this can lead to vision problems or blindness if not treated.
Signs of diabetic retinopathy:
- Blurry vision
- Dark spots or floaters
- Trouble seeing at night
- Vision that comes and goes
If you have diabetes, getting regular eye exams — even if your vision seems fine — is very important. Catching this condition early can help protect your sight.
Tips to keep your eyes healthy
Now that you know how your eyes can change, here are ways you can help them stay strong and healthy with age:
- Get regular eye exams: Eye specialists can find problems early before they cause serious damage. Adults over 40 should get an eye exam every one to two years or more often if they have eye issues or other health problems like diabetes.
- Wear sunglasses: UV rays from the sun can damage your eyes over time. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% UVA and UVB rays helps protect your eyes from cataracts and other damage.
- Eat eye-friendly foods: “A balanced diet rich in leafy greens, colorful vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids can support eye health,” Dr. Swanson said. Try to eat leafy greens like spinach and kale, carrots and sweet potatoes and fish like salmon and tuna. Eggs, nuts and citrus fruits are also great choices.
- Take breaks from screens: Staring at a computer, tablet, phone or TV can dry out your eyes and make them tired. Try the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Stop smoking: Smoking can increase your risk for eye diseases like AMD and cataracts. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your eyes — and your whole body.
- Manage health problems: Conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes can harm your eyes over time. Keep these under control by taking your medicine, eating healthy and staying active.
- Use reading glasses: If small print is getting harder to read, reading glasses can help make books, menus and phone screens easier to see. You can pick up a pair at the store or ask your eye doctor what strength is right for you. If you already wear glasses or contacts, you might need bifocals or progressive lenses that help with both near and far vision.
Find out more ways to protect your vision.
When to see an eye doctor
Some vision changes are normal with age, but some could be a sign of something more serious. Don’t ignore these symptoms:
- Sudden vision loss
- Flashes of light or floaters (small shapes that drift across your vision)
- Eye pain or pressure
- Trouble seeing straight ahead
- Frequent headaches tied to vision
If you notice any of these, make an appointment with an eye specialist.
Takeaway
Your eyes do a lot for you every day. They help you read, drive, work and enjoy the people and world around you. As you age, it’s normal for your eyes to change but that doesn’t mean you have to lose your vision.
By getting routine eye exams, eating healthy and protecting your eyes from the sun and electronic screens, you can keep your vision sharp for years to come.
