Just as our bodies age, our eyesight begins to change as we grow older.
From our early to mid-40s, many of us start to have problems seeing clearly at close distances, especially when reading and working on a computer. This change in the eye’s ability to focus, known as presbyopia, is completely normal and will continue to progress over time.
Clear Signs Your Eyes Are Ageing
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, but the following are common age-related vision changes:
- You’re hold reading materials further away to see them clearly
- You need to remove your glasses to see better up close
- Restaurant menus appear blurred, especially under dim lighting
- Phone screens and text messages are harder to read
- It takes longer to change focus between looking at something close and looking at something far away
- You need brighter light to see as well as you used to
- When driving, you may notice additional glare from headlights or sun reflecting off windscreens
- Eyes are dry and irritated due to reduced tear production -particularly true for women experiencing hormone changes
How To Take Care Of Your Eyesight
- If you already wear glasses or contacts for distance, consider switching to bifocals or varifocals
- Schedule regular eye tests to check for any vision issues
- When focused on a computer, mobile phone or a single object, reduce eye strain by looking away every 20 minutes for about 20 seconds
- Wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) radiation
- Stop smoking, which increases the risk of eye diseases
- Eat foods that support eye health, such as carrots, kale, courgettes, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids and flax or chia seeds
- Be physically active and maintain a healthy weight
- Use brighter lights to make close-up tasks easier
- Treat dry eyes with over-the-counter artificial tears or nighttime gel application
Can my eyesight improve naturally?
Some people, who receive treatment for presbyopia, claim their distance vision has actually improved. However, presbyopia can’t be prevented or cured, but most people should be able to regain clear, comfortable near vision for all of their lifestyle needs with glasses, contact lenses, or even laser surgery.
However, around age 60, these changes in near vision should stop, and prescription changes should occur less frequently.
Unfortunately, we can’t correct our vision without professional help, but a good diet can help our eyes stay healthy. In all cases, if you notice any changes in your vision you should always get your eyes checked.
