Your eyes tell your story – every smile, every late-night read, every horizon you’ve gazed across. But as the years pass, even the healthiest eyes begin to change. Some of these shifts are a normal part of ageing, while others signal the need for professional care.
Knowing the difference can bring both reassurance and confidence, especially if you’re already a contact lens wearer or considering lenses for the first time. In this article, we get clear on everything from presbyopia and reading glasses to common old age eye problems and how to protect your vision long term.
What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia is the gradual loss of near-focusing ability, making it harder to read a menu in dim light or thread a needle without stretching your arm. Aston University data shows that presbyopia is one of the most common eye problems with age – it’s a normal stage of life, typically becoming more noticeable from your forties onwards.
Official journal of the British Contact Lens Association Contact Lens & Anterior Eye research shows that presbyopia is universal but varies in onset and severity, often linked to individual lifestyle factors. Symptoms include:
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Blurred vision at close range
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Needing brighter light to read comfortably
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Holding books, phones or labels farther away.
It may feel inconvenient, but it’s not a disease – simply a natural change in the eye’s lens elasticity. As presbyopia progresses, you may find yourself needing new prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses more often. By around age 60, these changes usually level off, and adjustments to your prescription become less frequent.
While presbyopia cannot be prevented or reversed, the good news is that most people can achieve clear, comfortable near vision with the right correction to suit their lifestyle.
Signs of ageing eyes
Alongside presbyopia, you may notice other gradual changes in your vision as you get older. Most are a normal part of the ageing process:
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Dry eyes: tear production naturally decreases with age, particularly in women during perimenopause or after menopause, leading to irritation and discomfort. Find out more in Menopause and dry eyes: what you need to know.
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Slower focusing: shifting between near and far objects can take longer as the eye’s lens loses flexibility.
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Greater light needs: everyday tasks like reading become easier under brighter light, so positioning lamps near workspaces can make a difference.
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Increased glare sensitivity: headlights at night or sun on the road may feel dazzling, as ageing lenses scatter light instead of focusing it precisely.
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Colour perception changes: the eye’s clear lens may begin to yellow slightly, making it harder to distinguish between certain shades.
These changes are often mild, but regular eye tests help ensure they’re not linked to underlying conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration.
Common eye problems in old age
Beyond presbyopia, several eye conditions become more likely with age. Many of these develop slowly, often without obvious symptoms at first, which is why regular screenings are so important for early detection and treatment.
Cataracts
Clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to blurred or hazy vision. Cataracts are very common in later life and can usually be treated successfully with surgery.
Glaucoma
Damage to the optic nerve, sometimes linked to raised eye pressure. Glaucoma often has no early warning signs, but if left untreated it can cause gradual loss of peripheral vision. Routine eye tests check for changes in normal eye pressure with age, since raised pressure can be an early sign of glaucoma.
Macular degeneration
Age-related changes to the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision, which makes tasks like reading or recognising faces more difficult.
Dry eye syndrome
As tear production decreases, eyes may become dry, gritty or uncomfortable. Certain medications and hormonal changes can also make this more likely.
Warning signs of old age eye problems to watch for
While some changes are part of normal ageing, others may signal more serious eye problems. Recognising when something is beyond “normal” is key to protecting your sight. Contact an optometrist promptly if you notice:
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Fluctuating vision: frequent shifts in clarity can point to underlying health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure, which can damage the retina’s delicate blood vessels.
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Floaters and flashes: occasional floaters are common with age, but a sudden increase, especially when accompanied by bright flashes, may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which requires immediate treatment.
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Loss of side vision: gradual narrowing of your visual field can be a sign of glaucoma, which often progresses silently until damage has already occurred.
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Distorted or missing central vision: straight lines appearing wavy or blank spots in the centre of your vision may suggest age-related macular degeneration.
Contact lenses for presbyopia
The good news is that presbyopia doesn’t mean the end of contact lenses. Research published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology shows that people with presbyopia have a range of effective options to restore near vision. These include:
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Glasses: such as reading glasses, bifocals or progressive lenses
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Contact lenses: including daily disposable, monovision and multifocal designs
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Refractive surgery: like laser or other corrective procedures.
For many, contact lenses are the most natural choice, offering sharp vision without the constant on-off of glasses. Daysoft daily disposable lenses are a particularly appealing option. Designed for clarity and comfort, they let you get on with your day without the inconvenience of cleaning solutions or storage cases. Simply wear a fresh pair each morning and recycle them at night.
For people with presbyopia, this means:
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Freedom from glasses: ideal if you want to read, check your phone, play sport or cook without constantly reaching for your specs.
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Comfort and hygiene: new lenses every day minimises irritation and reduces the risk of infection.
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Flexibility: great if you only want to wear lenses occasionally, for work, social events or sport.
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Simplicity: no complicated routines, just clear, comfortable vision.
Looking after your long-term eye health
Changes in vision are a natural part of ageing, and presbyopia is something everyone experiences. At the same time, it’s important to remember that not all age-related eye changes are inevitable. Protecting your wider eye health matters just as much as correcting your vision.
Knowing your family history of conditions such as cataracts or glaucoma can provide vital insight into your personal risk. With regular check-ups and proactive care, you can safeguard not only your eyesight but your overall wellbeing too.
The most powerful tool in preserving vision is regular check-ups. The College of Optometrists recommends routine eye tests every two years, or more often if advised by your optician.
Screenings can help detect early signs of glaucoma or cataracts before you notice symptoms. Protecting your eye health isn’t just about correction – it’s about prevention, too.
Seeing the years clearly
Ageing eyes are a natural part of life, but they don’t have to hold you back. With the right lenses, regular screenings and a little awareness, you can continue to enjoy clear vision and confidence at every stage of life.
Discover the freedom of daysoft daily disposable lenses – simple, comfortable and designed to fit your life beautifully. Try them today and see the difference.
