Looking after the ageing eye

As we get older, changes occur in our eyes due to natural processes and wear and tear over time. In this article we outline some of the common age-related changes that typically happen to your vision and some of the ways you can protect your eye health for the years ahead.

Common age-related changes to vision

The most common vision changes include:

👀 Presbyopia

This is the age-related loss of the eyes ability to focus on close objects, making it harder to read small print or do tasks such as thread a needle. It usually starts to become noticeable in your 40s and often means you’ll need reading glasses or varifocals.

👀 Reduced peripheral vision

As we age, our field of vision can gradually narrow. This can impact spatial awareness and make tasks such as driving or navigating busy places more challenging.

👀 Dry eyes syndome

Our eyes naturally produce fewer tears as we get older. This can cause dryness, irritation, and blurred vision - particularly in windy or air-conditioned environments.

More serious age-related diseases

Other more serious age-related diseases include:

👀 Cataracts

Clouding of the lens, causing blurred or dim vision. To find out more about Cataracts read this blog post.

👀 Glaucoma

Damage to the optic nerve, often linked to increased eye pressure. Early detection is key to preventing sight loss. Read more here.

👀 Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Gradual loss of central vision, affecting detailed tasks like reading or recognising faces.

👀 Diabetic Retinopathy

Changes to the blood vessels at the back of the eye in people with diabetes, which can threaten sight if not managed.

How to Maintain Healthy Vision as You Age

There’s a lot you can do to look after your eyes and slow the progression of age-related problems. Here are some steps you can take to maintain your vision health...

✅ Have Regular Eye Tests

The NHS recommends having your eyes tested at least every two years - or more often if advised by your optometrist. Regular checks are crucial for spotting problems early, even before you notice any symptoms.

🥗 Eat a Balanced Diet

Green leafy veg (like spinach and kale), oily fish rich in omega-3, and fruits full of vitamins A, C, and E can help support healthy vision.

🕶️ Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

Ultraviolet (UV) and high-energy visible (blue) light can damage your eyes over time. Wearing good quality sunglasses, even on cloudy days, helps protect against cataracts and macular degeneration.

🚭 Quit Smoking & Moderate Alcohol

Smoking increases the risk of AMD and cataracts. Cutting down or stopping altogether is one of the best things you can do for your eye (and general) health.

🏃 Stay Physically Active

Exercise supports healthy blood circulation, which can reduce the risk of glaucoma and AMD.

💧 Stay Hydrated

Plenty of water can help keep eyes moist and reduce irritation from dryness.

💻 Take Screen Breaks

Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away to reduce eye strain.

😴 Get Enough Sleep

Sleep replenishes and revitalises your eyes. Lack of sleep can cause eye strain, twitching, or blurred vision.

💡 Use Good Lighting

Reading or working in dim lighting forces your eyes to strain - a bright, even light source makes a big difference.

And lastly its worth talking to family members about their eye health history as various eye diseases can be inherited. Finding out if anyone in your family has had an eye disease can help you determine if you are at higher risk of developing it.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about how to maintain your vision as you age, please get in touch with us at Blink.