Age-Related Vision Changes: What's Normal, and What's Cause for Concern?

As you get older, it’s natural to notice some changes in your vision. You might find it harder to read small print, struggle to see clearly at night, or feel like your eyes tire more easily. But how do you know what’s a normal part of aging and what could be a sign of a more serious problem?

Take a moment as Daniel Tepper, MD, and the Wicker Park Eye Center team answer these questions and help you know when it’s time to schedule your next eye exam.

4 normal vision changes as you age

As you age, you may start to experience:

1. Difficulty seeing up close

You may notice you need to hold books or menus farther away to read clearly. This is called presbyopia, and it typically begins in your 40s. 

Adults with normal vision can see text clearly at about 35 centimeters away. If you have to hold your book out further than that, you may be dealing with presbyopia.

Just because presbyopia is normal doesn’t mean you have to struggle without help. Reading glasses or bifocals usually solve the issue. 

Pro tip: Consider keeping a spare pair in your car or briefcase, so you’re never without your readers.

2. Dry eyes

As you age, your eyes may produce fewer tears, and as your tears decrease, it can cause irritation or a scratchy feeling. 

You may also have dry eyes if you’re on the computer for hours each day. Most people blink less when they’re on the computer, which can dry their eyes.

Depending on the source of your dry eyes, Dr. Tepper can recommend the right treatment, such as artificial tears, prescription drops, or practicing the 20-20-20 rule if you’re on the computer. (This involves pausing every 20 minutes and looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.)

3. The need for more light

You may have trouble seeing in low light. This happens because your pupils become less responsive with age. You can remedy this by adding a lamp next to your reading chair, replacing your home's light bulbs, and installing more nightlights throughout your home.

4. Glare sensitivity

Bright lights or sunlight may bother your eyes more than they used to. Anti-reflective lenses and sunglasses can reduce discomfort.

When vision changes might signal a bigger problem

Some vision changes shouldn’t be brushed off. They could be signs of an underlying eye disease or other health conditions, such as:

Sudden vision loss or blurriness

If your vision changes quickly, don’t wait — get medical help right away. It could be a sign of a retinal detachment, stroke, or another emergency.

Floaters, flashes, or shadows

A few floaters are normal, but if you see a sudden increase or flashes of light, it may indicate a retinal tear or detachment.

Loss of peripheral (side) vision

This may indicate glaucoma, a condition that harms the optic nerve. Left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. In fact, it’s the second leading cause of blindness worldwide.

Cloudy or yellowing vision

If your vision starts to feel like you’re looking out of a foggy window, you might be dealing with a cataract.  

As your lens becomes cloudier, you may notice halos, double vision, fading colors, and difficulty seeing, especially at night.

Distorted vision or blind spots

These symptoms may indicate age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects your central vision and can impact activities such as reading and recognizing faces.

Don’t skip your eye exam

Many eye diseases develop slowly and may not show obvious symptoms right away. Even normal changes — like presbyopia — benefit from professional care.

Some conditions can even be prevented with routine care. For example, during your exam, our team measures the pressure in your eyes. If it’s too high (a sign of glaucoma), we can treat it before your vision is compromised.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults over 40 with no risk factors receive an eye exam every 2 to 4 years. For those aged 55 to 64, every 1 to 3 years is recommended. If you're over 65, it's important to receive an examination every 1 to 2 years, even in the absence of symptoms.

Protect your vision for the long haul

Aging doesn’t mean you have to lose your eyesight. If something feels “off,” don’t ignore it.

At Wicker Park Eye Center, we have everything you need under one roof, whether you're looking for preventive care like eye exams or need advanced support for eye disease.  

Ready to get started? Call the office in Chicago, Illinois, or book an exam today.