Vision and eye problems, such as presbyopia (long-sightedness), glaucoma, dry eyes, and cataracts, are common with age. These changes typically occur between the ages of 41 and 60 and can affect quality of life.
However, while we may become more susceptible to eye issues later in life, the good news is that there are things you can do to reduce your risk and prioritise your eye health.
With that said, we’ll explore some common age-related eye problems below, including how to spot and treat them.
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If you’d like to read more about various eye conditions and book an eye test, you can also do so on the Boots Opticians website.
Common age-related eye changes
Presbyopia (long-sightedness)
Presbyopia (long-sightedness) affects your ability to see close-up objects or read small print.
Presbyopia occurs naturally with age and is the result of a loss of elasticity in the crystalline lens at the front of the eye, which affects its ability to focus. Common symptoms include needing to hold reading materials at arm’s length, squinting to see clearly, and getting headaches or aching eyes when reading or doing other close-up tasks, such as sewing.
Many people start experiencing symptoms of presbyopia in their early 40s, and it may continue progressing until around the age of 65.
Sometimes, prescription reading glasses are enough to ease symptoms, but some people may need to explore other treatment options – such as contact lenses or laser eye surgery.
Floaters and flashes
Dots, lines (floaters), and streaks of light (flashes) in your vision are common with age and usually harmless. For most people, they start appearing between the ages of 50 and 70.
Floaters and flashes are caused by small pieces of debris suspended in the eye’s fluid and tend to be most noticeable when looking at plain, bright backgrounds, such as a white wall.
This debris is usually the result of a harmless process called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), where the jelly-like fluid inside the eyes becomes more liquid. When this happens, strands of collagen clump together to create shadows on your retina. These shadows appear as floaters.
On rare occasions, floaters and flashes can be caused by retinal detachment, which can lead to vision loss if untreated. They can also occur for no obvious reason, and most of the time, they’re nothing to worry about.
However, if you’ve noticed a sudden increase in flashes and floaters, it’s best to book an eye test. An optician will check your eyes and advise you whether you need to see a specialist for further tests or treatment.
Usually, you’ll only need treatment if your symptoms could affect your vision.
Dry eyes
Dry eyes can be uncomfortable and affect daily life. However, dry eyes might feel itchy, sore, gritty, blurry, and sensitive to light. The good news is they’re not usually a sign of anything serious, and there are plenty of ways to ease symptoms.
Dry eyes are more common later in life because eyes gradually become less lubricated over time. They can also be caused by contact lenses, looking at screens for long periods, spending time in air-conditioned rooms, certain medicines, and smoking.
Keeping your eyes clean, taking screen breaks, getting plenty of sleep, and removing contact lenses periodically can all help improve dry eyes.
A pharmacist will be able to advise you on treatment options (such as eye drops and gels) and whether or not you need to see an optician or your GP. You can find your local pharmacy on the NHS website.
Watering eyes (epiphora)
Watering eyes are common and often improve on their own. However, if symptoms are affecting your daily life, you may benefit from treatment.
It’s normal for our eyes to water – for example, in smoky environments, when it’s cold, or if an eyelash or piece of dirt gets stuck. However, watery eyes can also be caused by allergies or infections such as conjunctivitis, blocked tear ducts, drooping eyelids (ectropion or entropion), or dry eyes.
Pharmacists can help treat watering eyes with cleaning solutions and eye drops. They can also advise you on whether you need to see a GP or optician.
Trichiasis (ingrown eyelashes)
Trichiasis is a condition where eyelashes are misdirected towards the eye (ingrown). It can feel as though there’s constantly something stuck in your eye, making them sore, irritable, red, and watery. Trichiasis differs from entropion (where the lower eyelid droops and turns inwards), as it doesn’t affect the eyelid’s position.
Trichiasis is more common in later life and is often caused by rubbing your eyes too much or by chronic inflammatory conditions of the eyelid, like blepharitis. If left untreated, chronic irritation from trichiasis can cause ulcerations or erosions in the cornea and pose a risk to eyesight.
If you suspect you have trichiasis, your pharmacist may recommend home treatments like eye drops, ointments, or using a warm compress. However, if your symptoms are more severe, it’s best to book an appointment with your GP.
Free NHS eye tests plus 10% off glasses for over 60s
Booking an appointment online has never been easier, and with a range of offers from 10% off if you’re over 60**, 2nd pairs half price^ & a free NHS eye test if eligible, our expert optometrists are here to help you on your journey to clearer vision.
Common age-related eye diseases
Cataracts
Cataracts occur when eye lenses develop cloudy patches. These patches can become larger over time, causing blurred vision and, in some cases, eventually sight loss.
If you have cataracts, you might find lights too bright, struggle to see in low light, and colours may appear faded. Cataracts can become painful over time, too.
Cataracts typically develop in both eyes, but may not appear at the same time or look the same in each eye. The condition usually occurs in people in their 40s and 50s, but doesn’t affect vision until 10 or 20 years later. Cataracts can affect daily activities such as driving and reading.
Experts are currently unsure what causes cataracts. However, factors like smoking, diabetes, eye injury, long-term use of steroids, and a family history of the condition are believed to play a role.
If you suspect you have cataracts, it’s important to book an eye examination. If necessary, they’ll refer you to an eye specialist for further tests and treatment.
You can read more about cataract treatment in our article: 7 life-changing benefits of cataract surgery.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a common condition where the optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain becomes damaged, usually caused by fluid buildup in the front part of the eye. Anyone can develop glaucoma, but it most commonly affects those in their 70s and 80s.
Glaucoma symptoms tend to develop gradually over many years and usually affect peripheral vision first. Symptoms can include blurred vision and seeing rainbow-coloured circles in bright lights. Glaucoma usually affects both eyes, but the severity can differ.
If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to vision loss, so it’s important to book an eye test or visit your GP if you have any concerns. People aged 40 and over with a close relative with glaucoma are entitled to a free NHS eye examination every year to catch any changes as soon as possible.
On rare occasions, glaucoma can develop suddenly and cause symptoms like eye pain, nausea and vomiting, headaches, and red eyes. If this happens, it’s important to go to your nearest eye casualty unit or A&E immediately.
Common retinal conditions
The retina is a thin sheet of nerve tissue that lines the inside of the eye. It sends signals to the brain that allow us to see.
Below are some common retinal conditions and potential ways to treat them.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the middle part of your vision. It can appear in one or both eyes, and initial symptoms often include blurriness or distortion in the central area of your vision.
AMD develops in people in their 50s and 60s. While it doesn’t cause complete blindness, it can make everyday activities, such as reading and driving, tricky.
The exact cause of AMD is unknown, but factors like smoking, high blood pressure, being overweight, and having a family history of the condition are thought to increase your risk. Without treatment, your vision can become worse, so it’s best to try to catch it early. Treatments include eye injections and light therapy.
Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment usually occurs when a hole or tear weakens the retina. This allows fluid to collect under it, lifting it away from the back of the eye. However, retinal detachment can also be caused by short-sightedness, eye operations (such as for cataracts), and genetics.
Symptoms of a detached retina include blurred or dimmed vision, a sudden increase in dots or lines (floaters and flashes), and a dark shadow moving across your vision.
If you’re suffering from these symptoms, it’s important to call 111 (NHS). If left untreated, detached retinas can permanently affect your vision.
Early remedies for retinal detachment include laser or freezing treatment. An operation under local anaesthetic may sometimes be needed to repair the hole and reattach the retina.
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that people living with diabetes have a higher risk of developing.
This is because, if blood sugar levels and blood pressure are consistently high, it can cause damage to blood vessels. Our eyes contain many important blood vessels, so damage can affect the retina’s ability to work properly and cause vision issues. In some cases, if left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause vision loss.
Maintaining healthy blood pressure and sugar levels, making healthy lifestyle choices, spotting changes in your eyesight, and getting your eyes tested can all help to reduce your risk of diabetic retinopathy
Anyone over 12 years old living with diabetes in the UK is entitled to an NHS eye screening test once a year. You can learn more about diabetic eye screening and how to book a test on the NHS website.
Diabetes UK has more information on the different stages of diabetic retinopathy, as well as potential causes and treatments.
Macular hole
A macular hole is a small gap that opens in the centre of the retina, in an area called the macula.
During the early stages of the condition, a macular hole can cause distorted or blurred vision – for example, straight lines may appear wavy, and you may struggle to read small print. As it progresses, you may begin to see a small black patch or a ‘missing patch’ in the centre of your vision.
Macular holes don’t usually cause pain or lead to vision loss, but surgery is usually needed to repair the hole.
Experts are currently trying to understand why macular holes develop. They usually occur in people aged 60 to 80 and are more common in women than men. If you notice symptoms of a macular hole, it’s important to see an optician or your GP as soon as possible. If left untreated, your central vision is likely to get gradually worse.
What help and support is available for those suffering from sight issues?
Vision aids
If you have trouble seeing despite wearing glasses, you may benefit from low-vision aids. These tailored devices are stronger than regular glasses, and for some people with partial sight, they can significantly improve vision.
Examples of low-vision aids include magnifiers, large print products, anti-glare spectacles, and reading stands.
You can find more information about these products, how they can help, and where to find them in this leaflet from the Macular Society.
Support groups and resources
If you or someone you know is blind or has a visual impairment, you might be interested in contacting a support group for people with vision loss.
Below are a few examples…
- Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) – the UK’s leading charity for people with vision loss. It has useful information on how to cope, an online community, a shop, and a helpline.
- The Macular Society – support for people with age-related macular disease.
- Glaucoma UK – help, advice, and support for people living with glaucoma.
- Retina UK – support for people affected by inherited progressive sight loss.
- The Partially Sighted Society – provides specialist services focused on helping people make the most of their remaining vision.
- Blind Veterans – offers lifelong support to Armed Forces and National Service veterans struggling with sight loss.
- SeeAbility – specialises in supporting people with disabilities or autism, who may also have sight loss.
- Diabetes UK – helpful information and advice regarding the connection between diabetes and sight loss.
If you’d like to connect with other people living with a visual impairment, various voluntary organisations support people with sight problems. Having some help can be a huge factor in managing the emotional impact of vision loss. You can search for local support organisations by postcode on Visionary’s website.
The NHS website also has valuable information on coping with vision loss.
Free NHS eye tests plus 10% off glasses for over 60s
Booking an appointment online has never been easier, and with a range of offers from 10% off if you’re over 60**, 2nd pairs half price^ & a free NHS eye test if eligible, our expert optometrists are here to help you on your journey to clearer vision.
Final thoughts…
Age-related vision changes can be distressing and, if left unchecked, may significantly affect daily life. However, while we may become more prone to eye issues later in life, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to reduce your risk, and various treatment options available.
Experts at Age UK recommend adults have a routine eye test at least every two years. You can find your nearest optician on the NHS website. Other factors, like eating a balanced diet and making healthy lifestyle choices, can also help protect against age-related vision loss.
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If you’d like to read more about various eye conditions and book an eye test, you can also do so on the Boots Opticians website.
Do you have any experiences that you’d like to share? We’d be interested to hear from you in the comments below.
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Free NHS eye tests plus 10% off glasses for over 60s
Booking an appointment online has never been easier, and with a range of offers from 10% off if you’re over 60**, 2nd pairs half price^ & a free NHS eye test if eligible, our expert optometrists are here to help you on your journey to clearer vision.
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