Getting older isn’t all bad news — it brings wisdom, confidence, and finally figuring out what you actually like in life.
However, your eyesight is one thing that doesn’t tend to improve with age. Whether it’s struggling to read a menu in dim lighting or realising you need to hold your phone at arm’s length, eye changes can creep up fast. Here are some of the most common age-related eye problems you should know about, especially because spotting them early makes all the difference.
1. Presbyopia
If you’ve found yourself holding your phone further and further away just to read a text, welcome to presbyopia. It’s that frustrating moment when your near vision starts to go, making small print a nightmare. This happens because the lens inside your eye loses flexibility with age, making it harder to focus on things up close. It’s why reading glasses, bifocals, or varifocals become essential for so many people past 40.
2. Cataracts
Cataracts are like a cloudy filter over your vision — except you didn’t choose it, and it definitely doesn’t make things look better. They happen when the lens inside your eye gradually becomes cloudy, making your vision blurry, dull, and dim. They tend to develop slowly over the years, and while they’re annoying, the good news is they can be fixed with surgery. In fact, cataract surgery is one of the most common (and successful) procedures out there.
3. Dry eyes
Think your eyes have suddenly turned into sandpaper? That’s because tear production decreases as you age, making dry eyes a lot more common. It can lead to irritation, redness, a gritty feeling, or even excessive watering (which is your body’s way of overcompensating). Eye drops, omega-3 supplements, and using a humidifier can help, but if it’s really bad, there are prescription treatments that can ease the discomfort.
4. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is one of the scariest age-related eye conditions because it creeps up without symptoms. It gradually damages the optic nerve, leading to permanent vision loss, often before you even realise anything’s wrong. The key to avoiding serious damage? Regular eye tests. Opticians can spot signs of glaucoma early, and with the right treatment (usually eye drops), it can be managed before it steals your sight.
5. Floaters
Ever noticed tiny dots, squiggles, or cobweb-like shadows floating in your vision? Those are called floaters, and they become more common as you age. They’re caused by changes in the gel-like fluid inside your eye, which starts breaking down over time. Most floaters are harmless, but if you suddenly see a LOT of them, especially with flashes of light, get checked out ASAP. It could be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment, which needs urgent treatment.
6. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
AMD affects the macula, the part of your eye responsible for sharp central vision. It makes reading, recognising faces, or seeing fine details harder over time. Peripheral vision is usually fine, but straight-ahead vision can get blurry or distorted. There’s no cure, but early detection helps. Eating a diet rich in leafy greens, fish, and nuts may help slow progression, and certain treatments can stop it from getting worse.
7. Light sensitivity
Find yourself squinting more in sunlight or struggling with glare while driving at night? Your eyes become more sensitive to light as you age, especially if you have cataracts or dry eyes. Wearing polarised sunglasses, adjusting screen brightness, and using anti-glare coatings on glasses can make a big difference.
8. Night vision struggles
If driving at night feels a bit riskier than it used to, it’s not just you. The ageing eye struggles to adjust to low-light conditions, making it harder to see in dim settings. Headlight glare, slower pupil response, and reduced contrast sensitivity all contribute. Anti-glare glasses, good car headlights, and avoiding night driving if it feels unsafe can help.
9. Eyelid issues
Source: Unsplash As skin loses elasticity, droopy eyelids (ptosis) can start to affect vision, making it harder to keep your eyes fully open. It’s harmless in most cases, but if it interferes with sight, surgery is an option. Some people also experience eyelid twitches or spasms (blepharospasm), which can be triggered by fatigue, caffeine, or stress. While harmless, persistent twitching might need medical treatment.
10. Colour perception changes
Over time, your ability to see colours vividly starts to fade. Whites might look slightly yellow, and bright colours can appear duller. Why? The lens inside the eye naturally yellows with age, affecting how colours are perceived. It’s usually not a big deal, but if it’s noticeable, an eye check-up can help rule out other issues.
11. Eye strain
Even if you don’t work at a computer all day, staring at screens, reading, or doing close-up work for long periods can lead to eye strain. As we age, our eyes take longer to adjust between near and far vision, making prolonged focus more tiring. The 20-20-20 rule helps: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
12. Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment is serious. It happens when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye, leading to sudden vision loss or a shadow over part of your sight. It’s more common with age, especially if you have severe short-sightedness or a history of eye injuries. Seeing flashes of light, a sudden shower of floaters, or a “curtain” over your vision means you need urgent medical attention.
13. Double vision
Seeing two of everything? Double vision (diplopia) isn’t just annoying — it can be a sign of underlying issues like nerve problems, cataracts, or even conditions like diabetes. If it’s persistent, get checked out. Some cases are harmless, but others may need treatment, especially if they’re linked to muscle or nerve conditions.
