TL;DR
As we age, small print sometimes becomes harder to read, night driving may feel risky, and you might even struggle to recognise familiar faces.
While some changes are a natural part of ageing, others may be linked to specific eye conditions that need medical attention.
Understanding the signs early helps you protect your independence and maintain a good quality of life. Read on to learn what to watch out for and how to support your eye health.
Why does vision change with age?
Eyes naturally undergo changes over time. The lens becomes stiffer, making it harder to focus. Tear production slows, leading to dryness or discomfort. The muscles that control your eyes may weaken, affecting your ability to adjust to different lighting conditions.
But age isn’t the only factor. Your overall health, family history, and even the environment you live in can affect how well you see as you age. That’s why knowing the most common eye problems in seniors is key to catching issues before they get worse.
Cataracts
Cataracts are extremely common among people over the age of 65. They form when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy, affecting how light passes through and causing blurry or hazy vision. You might also notice colours looking dull or lights appearing too bright or glaring.
Warning signs of cataracts
- Blurry vision that glasses can’t fix
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Faded colours
- Double vision in one eye
Cataracts usually develop gradually and don’t hurt. At first, stronger lighting or glasses may help. But once cataracts interfere with your everyday tasks, surgery is often recommended. It’s a straightforward outpatient procedure where the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear artificial one. Recovery is usually quick, and most people regain better sight soon after.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
AMD is a leading cause of sight loss in people over 50. It affects the macula, the part of your retina responsible for central vision. You might still see things around the edges, but detail in the centre becomes fuzzy or dark.
There are two types of AMD:
- Dry AMD: Develops slowly over time. You may notice a gradual loss of clear vision.
- Wet AMD: Progresses more quickly. New, fragile blood vessels grow under the retina, which can leak and damage your vision rapidly.
For dry AMD, there’s no cure yet, but adopting a healthy lifestyle and using eye supplements for seniors may help slow its progress. For wet AMD, regular injections can help preserve sight if treatment begins early.
Early symptoms of AMD
- Straight lines appear wavy
- Difficulty reading even with glasses
- Needing brighter light for tasks
- Trouble recognising faces
Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds in the eye and damages the optic nerve. It’s often called the “silent thief of sight” because it progresses gradually and often without early symptoms.
By the time you notice vision loss, the damage may already be advanced. That’s why routine eye tests are vital, especially if you’re over 60 or have a family history of glaucoma. Treatment can include daily eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery to reduce pressure and prevent further damage.
Risk factors for glaucoma
- Family history
- High eye pressure
- Diabetes
- Long-term use of steroid medication
Diabetic retinopathy
If you have diabetes, you’re at higher risk of diabetic retinopathy, which occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in your retina. Over time, this can cause blurred vision, dark patches, or even complete vision loss.
This condition often shows no early warning signs, so regular diabetic eye screening is essential. In England, if you have diabetes and are aged 12 or older, you’re eligible for free annual screening through the NHS.
Managing your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels all help reduce the risk of damage.
Dry eye syndrome
Dry eye is common in seniors, especially women. It happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. The result? Your eyes may feel gritty, sore, or constantly irritated.
Tips for managing dry eyes
- Blink more, especially when using screens
- Use a humidifier indoors
- Wear wrap-around glasses on windy days
- Avoid smoke and air conditioning
Although it’s rarely dangerous, it can affect your quality of life. Certain medications, hormone changes, and even the weather can make it worse.
Artificial tears, warm compresses, and lid wipes can help. In more serious cases, your optician may recommend treatments that slow tear drainage or boost tear production.
Floaters and flashes
Most floaters are harmless. They appear as small dots or squiggly lines that move across your vision, especially in bright light. Flashes of light can also occur occasionally, often linked to changes in the gel-like substance inside the eye.
But a sudden increase in floaters or flashes, especially if followed by a shadow or curtain effect, could indicate a retinal detachment. This is a medical emergency that needs urgent treatment to avoid permanent sight loss.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is the gradual loss of your eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects. It usually begins in your 40s or 50s, and by 65, nearly everyone experiences it.
You might find yourself holding your phone farther away or needing reading glasses. Multifocal lenses or varifocals can help if you already wear glasses for distance.
How to protect your vision as you age
Get your eyes tested regularly
If you’re over 60 in the UK, you qualify for free NHS eye tests every two years. These checks can pick up on conditions like glaucoma, AMD, and cataracts before you notice symptoms.
Some people with certain conditions or benefits may qualify for more frequent checks. Ask your optician if you’re not sure.
Use the right eyewear
Glasses that match your current prescription reduce strain, improve clarity, and help prevent headaches. If you’re switching between tasks like reading and watching TV, consider bifocals or separate pairs.
Make sure your lenses have anti-glare and UV protection, especially if you spend time outdoors.
Maintain overall health
Healthy habits also help your eyes. Eat a diet rich in vegetables and oily fish, quit smoking if you can, stay physically active, and keep chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure under control.
What’s good for your heart is also good for your eyes.
When to seek help immediately
Some symptoms should never be ignored. Get urgent help if you experience:
- Sudden vision loss
- Flashes or floaters followed by shadows
- Eye pain or redness
- Double vision
- Unusual swelling or discharge
Quick treatment can often prevent permanent damage.
Take charge of your eye health
Your eyesight plays a huge role in how you experience the world. While ageing brings natural changes, that doesn’t mean you have to accept poor vision. Many eye problems are manageable or even preventable with the right knowledge, habits, and support.
By attending regular eye checks, making small lifestyle changes, and considering eye supplements, you give yourself the best chance to maintain clear, healthy vision well into later life. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen, your vision deserves care and attention every step of the way.
