Have you started holding your phone further away to read a message? Finding it hard to read a menu when dining out? Do you need to switch on another light when reading at night?
These little changes are common after 40. Often, they're caused by the natural ageing process, but that doesn't mean you should ignore them. Some vision changes can point to an eye condition that needs attention, even if you can still see well.
An eye test can help you understand what's happening and whether you need glasses, further checks or a change to your current prescription. Here's a few things to look out for as you get older.
Why Does Your Vision Change After 40?
One of the biggest changes is presbyopia, it's a normal part of ageing that makes it harder for your eyes to focus on things up close.
The lens inside your eye gradually becomes less flexible, so reading small print takes more effort. You might find yourself moving your phone further away or getting tired eyes after working at a computer. Presbyopia often becomes noticeable in your early to mid-40s. Reading glasses or multifocal lenses can help, depending on your prescription and how you use your eyes throughout the day.
Difficulty reading small print isn't the only change you should be attention to. Your eye health can change without causing obvious symptoms, which is why regular checks still matter even when your eyesight seems fine.
Five Changes to Watch For:
Small print getting harder to read - If you need to stretch your arms out to read a text message, you're experiencing one of the classic signs of presbyopia. You might notice it when reading a book, checking food labels or looking at your phone. Some people also find they need brighter lighting to make out the words.
There's no need to put up with the frustration. An optometrist can check your vision and work out whether reading glasses or an updated prescription would help.
Driving at night feels different – Are you noticing headlights more glaring than they used to be? Or road signs getting harder to read after dark?
Changes in vision can make night driving more difficult, especially when there's less light and less contrast. An outdated prescription may be part of the problem, although other eye conditions can also affect how clearly you see at night. If you've started avoiding night driving because you don't feel as comfortable behind the wheel, book an eye test with your local optometrist.
You need more light to see clearly - You might have noticed yourself turning on extra lights to read or do things around the house. This is common as we get older because our eyes generally need more light to see fine details comfortably.
Changing the lighting can make everyday things easier, but don't automatically put every change down to age. If your vision has become noticeably worse or you're struggling with tasks that used to be easy, have your eyes checked.
Your vision seems different, even if you can't explain why - Not every eye problem starts with blurry vision. Some conditions develop slowly, without obvious symptoms in the early stages.
Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve and gradually affect your peripheral vision. Age-related macular degeneration affects the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision, making tasks such as reading and recognising faces more difficult. Both conditions become more common with age. Family history and other health factors can also affect your risk.
Important - Sudden vision loss, new flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters or a dark curtain across your vision needs urgent medical assessment, don't wait for a routine eye test.
If you're over 40 and haven't had an eye test in a while, now is a good time to book one.
This is even more important if you have diabetes, a family history of eye disease or an existing condition that needs monitoring.
Abernethy Owens has five optometry practices across Perth, making it easier to find eye care close to home. If you need a routine check-up, a new prescription or advice about any changes you've noticed, our team is here to help.
Contact us online or call 1800 411 744 to book an appointment at one of our Perth practices.