Ageing Eyes: What to Expect and How to Care for Them

Ageing is a natural part of life, and just as our joints, skin, and muscles change over time, so too do our eyes. While vision changes are common as we get older, they don’t have to come at the cost of clarity, comfort or quality of life. Understanding what to expect and how to care for your eyes, can help you maintain strong, healthy vision well into your later years. At The Eyecare Spot, we support patients through every stage of life with expert care and tailored advice.

Common Vision Changes with Age

From your 40’s onward, it’s normal to experience changes in the way you see. One of the earliest and most noticeable shifts is presbyopia—the gradual loss of the eye’s ability to focus on close objects. You might notice yourself holding books or your phone further away or experiencing eye fatigue while reading. This is a completely natural process and can be managed easily with reading glasses, multifocals and other custom lens solutions.

As we age, the eye's lens becomes less flexible and more cloudy developing cataracts. You may also notice that night driving becomes more difficult due to increased glare and reduced contrast sensitivity. Other age-related issues include dry eyes, a slower adjustment to changes in lighting, and increased risk of eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

The Importance of Regular Eye Examinations

One of the most important things you can do for ageing eyes is to book regular comprehensive eye tests. Many age-related eye conditions develop slowly and without obvious symptoms at first. An optometrist can detect early signs of disease and help you take proactive steps before vision is affected.

For patients over 65, annual eye exams are strongly recommended. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of eye disease, you may need more frequent check-ups to ensure that changes are monitored closely and managed early.

Caring for Ageing Eyes Day to Day

Supporting your eye health involves a combination of professional care and everyday habits. A diet rich in leafy greens, colourful fruits, nuts, and omega-3s can help protect the retina and reduce the risk of degenerative conditions. Staying hydrated and using lubricating eye-drops can also ease dry eye symptoms, which tend to increase with age.

UV protection is critical at every age, but especially as your eyes become more sensitive. Wearing sunglasses with proper UV filtering, even on cloudy days, helps protect your eyes from long-term damage caused by sun exposure. We offer a variety of lens options, including UV-protective coatings with tints, polarised lenses and transition lenses designed for comfort and clarity.

If you find screens are becoming harder on your eyes, we can help with glasses designed specifically for digital use. These lenses reduce blue light exposure and may minimise fatigue, keeping your vision sharp and focused even after hours of use.

Solutions for Changing Vision Needs

Your visual needs evolve as you do. Whether you’re noticing a decline in reading ability, struggling with low-light situations, or needing more help when driving we can recommend solutions that fit your lifestyle. Progressive lenses, occupational lenses or dedicated reading glasses can dramatically improve clarity without compromising convenience.

For patients diagnosed with cataracts or other age-related conditions, we work closely with ophthalmologists to guide you through treatment and surgical options. Our team is here to answer questions, monitor your progress, and ensure you’re getting the care you need at every stage.

Supporting Vision at Every Age

Ageing eyes are part of a natural journey, and with the right support, they don’t have to limit your independence or comfort. At The Eyecare Spot, we’re proud to care for generations of patients and to offer clear guidance, advanced testing, and a wide range of frame and lens solutions for changing needs.

If you’ve noticed shifts in your vision, or it’s simply time for your next check-up, book an eye test with our friendly team. We’ll help you see clearly, feel confident, and protect your eye health well into the future.