TL;DR
Your vision used to be crystal clear. Now, words on a page blur together, screens feel harsher, and road signs aren’t as sharp as they used to be. So, what’s going on?
This guide explains common reasons your vision might be declining, what you can do about it, and how eye health supplements could support your sight. Keep reading to find out what’s really behind those changes in your eyes.
What causes eyesight to get worse?
There’s no single reason for worsening vision. Often, it’s a combination of age, lifestyle, environment, and existing health conditions.
Age-related changes
As you age, so do your eyes. Conditions like presbyopia (difficulty focusing on close objects) often start from your 40s. It’s completely normal and part of the natural ageing process. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore it.
If your near vision is suddenly worse, or you’re holding your phone further away to read, it might be time for a sight test.
Eye strain from screen use
Spending long hours on phones, tablets, or laptops? You’re not alone. Digital eye strain, sometimes called computer vision syndrome, can cause blurred vision, dry eyes, and headaches.
Staring at screens reduces how often you blink, making your eyes drier and more tired. The more time you spend in front of a screen without breaks, the more likely you are to feel the effects.
Uncorrected vision problems
Short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism often develop slowly. If left uncorrected, they can worsen over time. You might find yourself squinting more or feeling eye fatigue after reading.
A simple eye test can identify these issues, and glasses or contact lenses can make a big difference.
Lifestyle habits that affect your sight
How you live can have a big impact on your eyes, whether you realise it or not.
Poor diet and nutrition
Your eyes need nutrients like vitamin A, C, E, and zinc to stay healthy. Lutein and zeaxanthin, found in leafy greens, help filter harmful blue light. If your diet is low in these nutrients, your vision might suffer over time.
That’s where eye health supplements can help. They’re not a magic fix, but they may support your vision when your diet falls short.
Smoking and alcohol
Smoking reduces blood flow to the eyes and increases the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Heavy drinking can also affect the optic nerve and cause long-term damage.
Making lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking and reducing alcohol, can protect your eyesight in the long run.
Poor sleep
Not getting enough sleep? Your eyes might feel dry, itchy, or even blurry. Just like the rest of your body, your eyes need rest to recover. Chronic lack of sleep can also increase pressure inside the eye, which may lead to problems over time.
Common eye conditions that affect your vision
If your eyesight is changing fast or you’re noticing more serious symptoms, it could be due to an eye condition. Here are a few of the most common ones.
Cataracts
Cataracts cause cloudiness in the lens of your eye, making things look foggy or dim. They usually develop slowly and are most common in people over 60. Treatment involves surgery, which is quick, painless, and available on the NHS if needed.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a build-up of pressure in the eye that damages the optic nerve. It often has no symptoms until vision starts to go. Regular eye tests are key, as early treatment can help slow progression.
Macular degeneration
Macular degeneration affects your central vision and is most common in older adults. It can make it harder to read, drive, or recognise faces. Certain eye health supplements have been studied for their role in slowing the condition, especially ones with zinc and antioxidants.
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How to slow down changes in your eyesight
You might not be able to stop all vision changes, but you can take steps to support your eye health.
Book regular eye tests
Most people should get their eyes tested every two years, or more often if advised. It’s the best way to catch early signs of problems like glaucoma or macular changes.
Adjust your screen time
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps reduce strain and gives your eyes a break.
Wear the right prescription
Wearing old or incorrect glasses can make your eyes work harder than they need to. Keep your prescription up to date to avoid unnecessary strain.
Use protective eyewear
If you’re often in bright sunlight, wear sunglasses with UV protection. If you work with power tools or chemicals, safety goggles are a must.
Could eye health supplements help?
Eye health supplements can’t cure eyesight problems, but they may help protect your vision, especially if your diet lacks key nutrients.
Look for supplements containing:
- Lutein and zeaxanthin: These help protect the retina from light damage.
- Vitamin C and E: Known for their antioxidant effects.
- Zinc: Essential for transporting vitamin A from the liver to the retina.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: May help with dry eye symptoms.
Before starting any supplement, speak to your optician or GP to check it’s right for you. Some products may interact with medications or not be needed based on your current diet.
When to seek help for worsening vision
If your vision changes suddenly or you notice things like:
- Flashes of light
- A curtain or shadow over your field of view
- Eye pain or redness
- Double vision
- A sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
Get medical help straight away. These could be signs of serious conditions like retinal detachment or acute glaucoma.
Protect your sight, starting now
Your eyesight matters. Whether it’s due to age, screen habits, or underlying conditions, understanding why your vision is changing is the first step towards doing something about it.
Start by booking an eye test, eat more nutrient-rich foods, take breaks from screens, and consider eye health supplements if your diet isn’t cutting it. A few simple changes today can help protect your vision for years to come.
