Vision & Ageing

Vision at 40

40 is a key age for vision and eye health. From your forties on it is normal to experience some changes in your vision. Some of these changes can be very easily treated but from your forties on you are also at much higher risk of eye disease. Early treatment is very effective in dealing with even serious eye diseases so it’s best to get your vision checked regularly.

Symptoms to look out for at 40

Difficulty reading: needing to move text to a comfortable distance (either arm’s length or very close); blurry vision when reading text.
Headaches, fatigue or difficulty concentrating when and after doing close work.
Any changes to your vision that have an impact on your ordinary life: playing sport, working on a computer etc.
Sudden eye pain or redness, double vision or distorted vision are symptoms that may indicate an eye condition and should be checked as soon as possible.

5 major eye conditions amongst over 40s

Presbyopia – This condition is very common and easily corrected with lenses. Most people that experience some difficulty reading as they age have presbyopia.

Glaucoma – This is an eye disease in which the nerves in the eye are damaged, often as a result of high-pressure in the eye. It can be hereditary and needs to be treated early as it can cause serious damage.

AMD (age-related macular degeneration) – The deterioration of the central part of the retina. This is also hereditary, so if there is a family history you should get checked. There is some treatment available which must be started early as AMD can lead to blindness.

Cataract – Quite common and widely known. Cataracts are caused by the ageing of the natural lens of the eye. Cloudy vision is a symptom. Cataracts can be treated.

Diabetic retinopathy – This is an important consideration for diabetics. Diabetic retinopathy should be detected and treated early and can require laser treatment.

People aged 40 and older often experience some changes in their vision.

Get regular eye tests from the best optometrist in Sydney.

Advice to over 40s

Be aware of your eyes and don’t ignore any changes you notice in your vision.
Have your eyes tested regularly.
If you already wear glasses, after 40 your prescription will likely change. In many cases this is not a cause for concern.
Get tested for eye disease. The earlier eye conditions are detected, the greater the chance of successful treatment and retaining your vision.
If you notice a change, ask your optometrist about it.
Note: eye examinations with an optometrist attract a Medicare rebate and no referral is required.

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Vision at 60

While your vision will change over time and especially in your 60s, you should not accept poor vision. Some people accept their eyesight will deteriorate with age and that nothing can be done to improve their vision, but this is untrue. A variety of lenses exist for improving vision at all stages of life.

Furthermore, at 60 the risk of serious eye diseases is elevated. Diseases like glaucoma can cause serious loss of vision and even blindness. Among over 60s, poor eyesight decreases mobility and increases the risk of depression.

The best way to prevent serious deterioration of vision is early detection and treatment. Your optometrist can even detect disease before you experience symptoms.

Four major eye conditions among over 60s

Glaucoma – This is an eye disease in which the nerves in the eye are damaged, often as a result of high-pressure in the eye. If you are experiencing symptoms you will notice a loss of peripheral vision. Glaucoma can be hereditary and needs to be treated early as it can cause serious damage.

Cataract – Quite common and widely known. Cataracts are caused by the ageing of the natural lens of the eye. Cloudy vision is a symptom. Cataracts can be treated.

AMD (age-related macular degeneration) – The deterioration of the central part of the retina. This is also hereditary, so if there is a family history you should get checked. There is some treatment available which must be started early as AMD can lead to blindness.

Diabetic retinopathy – This is an important consideration for diabetics. Diabetic retinopathy should be detected and treated early and can require laser treatment.

Driving and vision

One reason people worry about their vision changing is that they fear they will lose the ability to drive. Vision changes over 60 can make driving more difficult, especially at night. But, in most cases, your optometrist can help you reach the vision standards necessary for safe driving.

Warning signs

Some of the key warning signs for eye conditions include:

Spots in your vision
Sudden eye pain, discomfort or redness
Loss of central vision or edges of your vision
Distorted vision
Double vision
Decreased colour vision
Reduced ability to adjust to light changes

At 60 the risk of serious eye diseases is elevated.

Advice for over 60s

Know your eyes and notice any change to your vision.
Be aware of the health of your eyes and how your vision is affecting your everyday life by learning the warning signs and looking for changes.
Discuss your concerns with your optometrist. Often a significant improvement in vision can be achieved.
Get your eyes tested regularly by an optometrist
You may not know when you have a serious eye condition. The earlier eye conditions are detected, the greater the chance of successful treatment.
If you think you may have a problem with your eyes or vision, consult an optometrist immediately.
Note: Eye examinations with an optometrist attract a Medicare rebate and no referral is required.