Understanding changes in vision after the age of 40

As we grow older, changes in our vision are a natural part of the ageing process. One of the most common age-related eye conditions is presbyopia, a gradual loss of the eye’s ability to focus on near objects.

Most people begin to notice the signs of presbyopia in their early to mid-40s, even if they’ve had perfect vision all their life.

Understanding what presbyopia is, why it happens, and how it can be managed is essential for maintaining good vision and quality of life as we age.

What Is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a normal, age-related condition that affects the eye’s ability to focus on close objects. It is not a disease but a natural part of the eyes ageing process.

In younger eyes, the lens inside the eye is flexible and can easily change shape to focus on objects at different distances. This allows you to shift your focus from far to near seamlessly, such as when you look up from a computer screen to a clock on the far wall.

However, as we age, the lens becomes stiffer, more dense, and less flexible, and the surrounding eye muscles weaken. This loss of flexibility makes it harder for the lens to change shape and focus on near tasks like reading, using a smartphone, or computer work. The result is blurred vision at close range, especially in low light or after prolonged near work.

Signs and Symptoms of Presbyopia

Presbyopia doesn’t happen overnight and will usually progress gradually. Common signs you are starting to be impacted by presbyopia include:

• Needing to hold reading material farther away to see it clearly
• Eyestrain or headaches after reading or close work
• Blurry vision at normal reading distance
• Difficulty focusing on small print, especially in dim lighting
• Frequently squinting to read

Diagnosis of Presbyopia

Presbyopia is easily diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. An optometrist or ophthalmologist will evaluate your vision, assess your ability to focus at different distances, and determine the appropriate visual correction needed, usually in the form of reading glasses.

Managing and Treating Presbyopia

While presbyopia cannot be reversed, it can be effectively managed through several correction options so you can achieve clear vision.

• Reading glasses – for people with otherwise good vision, over-the-counter reading glasses are a simple and affordable solution. They come in various magnifying strengths and can be used as needed for reading or for close-up tasks.
• Prescription glasses – If you already wear glasses for distance vision or you have astigmatism, your optometrist may recommend bifocals, trifocals, or progressive lenses. These lenses combine different prescriptions in one pair to allow for clear vision at all distances – near, intermediate, and far.
• Contact lenses – similar to glasses, options for contact lens users include:
• Multifocal contact lenses, which have zones for near and distance vision
• Monovision or Blended Vision, where one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near vision (the brain adapts to combine the images)
• Modified monovision, which uses a multifocal lens in one eye and a distance lens in the other
• Surgical options – if you would like to investigate your suitability for a more permanent and convenient option, there are several surgical procedures to address presbyopia as detailed below.
  • Laser Vision Correction can be undertaken to correct vision, including an option called blended vision which treats one eye for near vision, and the other eye for distance vision.
  • RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange) replaces the natural lens of the eye with an implanted lens referred to as an IOL (Intraocular Lens). A range of lenses are available to accommodate correction for both distance and near vision errors.

Lifestyle and eye health tips for ageing eyes

As with many things as we get older, maintaining and spending time monitoring overall eye health becomes important as we age. Below is some helpful advice to support you  seeing clearly

• Regular eye exams: Early detection of presbyopia and other age-related conditions is key to stopping eye strain and achieving clear vision for lifestyle convenience.
• Proper lighting: Use of bright, glare-free lighting for reading and close work
• Eye-friendly habits: Follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Healthy diet: Eating foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, and vitamins
• Staying hydrated and blinking often to avoid dry eyes, which is common with age
• Protecting your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses and hats outdoors

Conclusion

Presbyopia is a natural part of the eyes ageing process that affects everyone typically after the age of 40. Though it can be frustrating, and especially for those who’ve never needed glasses in the past, there are many effective ways to correct and manage it so you can still enjoy clear vision.

With modern vision solutions ranging from reading glasses to ophthalmic procedures, presbyopia doesn’t have to interfere with your lifestyle.

Would you like to know more?

Adelaide Eye & Laser Centre was the first in South Australia to offer Laser Vision Correction and remains one of its most experienced in both laser and other refractive procedures.

If you would like a referral to the care of one of our laser vision or refractive specialists or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our friendly team on 08 8274 7000 or by filling out the contact form here.