We can’t help getting older - and as we age our eyes do too. So it’s important to make sure we’re keeping our eyes healthy and looking for the signs of a few more common conditions.
“The anatomy of the eye changes from birth onwards,” explains Bupa optometrist Karen Makin. “Once you’re over 40 structural changes to the crystalline lens of the eye happen as well, and that has a big effect.”
Here are some eye conditions that can come with age.
Presbyopia comes from the Greek word for ‘old eye’ – and it’s the natural process where eyes lose the ability to see things up close after the age of 40.
“Needing more light [than you used to], having difficulty doing close work and finding your arms aren’t quite long enough when you’re holding a book or your phone are signs that presbyopia is happening and you probably need some reading glasses,” explains Makin.
Find out more about presbyopiaWe have something called the vitreous – a gel-like substance that helps the eye maintain its shape. And as we age, it starts to shrink and get thinner. Sometimes it may stick to the retina and pull hard enough to tear it (known as retinal detachment).
Some signs to look for include flashing lights or floaters (small specks, lines or cobwebs in your field of vision). If you notice them, get in to see an optometrist immediately.
That said, “flashes and floaters can also be signs of vitreous detachment, where the gel inside the eye pulls on the retina, which is okay and not unexpected in middle age,” Makin says. It’s always best to double check with your optometrist.
This one’s pretty self-explanatory - sometimes we don’t have enough tears to keep our eyes well lubricated and healthy. This is more likely to happen after age 50.
They can be uncomfortable, but if you don’t try and treat them, dry eyes can affect your vision. Drinking plenty of water, wearing sunglasses outside and blinking regularly when reading or looking at screens for long periods can all help ease symptoms (but aren’t a replacement for treatment - so make sure you check in with your optometrist).
Find out more about dry eyesSome vision changes with age can mean there’s something more serious going on, so book in to see your optometrist if you notice:
Eye problems may become more likely as you age, but many of them can be corrected or treated if picked up early. It’s essential to get your eyes checked every two years – book an appointment today.
Book an eye test Find a storeHaving regular eye tests can help identify and solve any vision problems, and they're a great way to get ahead of any underlying issues.
When you first have an eye test, your optometrist will get the lowdown on your eyes, vision, health and lifestyle in order to tailor the test to you.
Worried about the costs of getting your eyes tested? We’ve got good news. They’re usually bulk-billed if you’re covered by Medicare.