Changes in vision as you age — are they warning signs?

Sight is a gift — seeing a radiant sunset, a child’s happy face or a deep blue ocean can warm our hearts and fill us with gratitude for God’s creation. This precious gift is in jeopardy for an estimated 93 million adults at high risk for serious vision loss in the U.S., yet only half visited an eye doctor in the past 12 months.¹ While some changes in vision are common as you age, it’s important to be aware of warning signs and take proactive steps to care for your eyesight.

At what ages does vision begin to decline? Some common changes may start in your early to mid-40s and continue through your 60s.

In your 40s, you may find it hard to read the text in your Bible, restaurant menu or prescription label. Holding the item far away may help at first, but eventually, it may become too blurry to make out the words. This common change in eyesight, called presbyopia, can be corrected with reading, bifocal or multifocal glasses or contact lenses.²

Need for More Light and Trouble Seeing at Night

If things seem dimmer than before, it can help to add a lamp in the areas where you work on things up close,² whether it’s sewing, woodworking or reading. Similarly, driving to a Wednesday night Bible study could become difficult if it’s hard for your eyes to adjust and focus in the dark.³ In this case, sharing a ride with a friend may be safer.

Changes in Color Perception

The eye lens can become discolored with age, making it challenging to tell the difference between some shades of color.² This can make it harder to see objects if the background is a similar color, such as a brown book on a wood shelf.

Glare Sensitivity

A walk outdoors on a sunny day can quickly turn unpleasant if glares from cars and windows cause eye pain. If glare sensitivity becomes an issue, it can help to wear sunglasses and a hat outdoors and adjust the brightness of your computer screen or television.³

Spots and Floaters

Occasional spots or floaters can be a natural part of the eye’s aging process and usually don’t harm vision. However, a sudden change of multiple floaters accompanied by bright flashing lights could be a warning sign of a tear in your retina.² Seek medical attention immediately if this occurs.

Clouded, Dim or Blurred Vision

Cloudiness in your vision can be caused by a cataract, which can develop slowly and not disturb eyesight early on. Over time, cataracts eventually will affect sight and cause cloudy vision. Glasses and brighter lighting can help initially, but cataract surgery may be needed if the condition worsens.⁴

Dry Eyes

With age, the tear glands in your eyes may produce fewer tears, leading to dry eyes.² This could cause inflammation or damage to the eye’s surface. ⁵ Your eye care professional may recommend eye drops or another treatment to relieve the stinging or burning feeling.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma affects the optic nerve and may affect your eye pressure.⁶ Regular eye exams are essential to catch it early because glaucoma can occur without warning signs.

Macular Degeneration

Vision loss caused by dry macular degeneration is typically central, meaning peripheral vision is unaffected. This condition may develop gradually, so regular eye exams are essential. Warning signs include reduced central vision, difficulty recognizing faces or distinct blurry spots in your field of vision.⁷

Warning Signs of Vision Changes Requiring Immediate Attention

A sudden vision change could be a red flag for a serious condition, so get help right away if you experience a quick onset of changes. Blurred vision, double vision, floaters, flashes of light, redness and eye or eyelid swelling can also be warning signs that require immediate attention.⁸

How often should you get an eye exam and how can you care for your vision? 

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a baseline eye exam with an ophthalmologist by age 40 and for visits every one to two years for seniors over 65.³ In addition to eye exams, you can take care of your eyes with the following tips:

• Eat a healthy diet and stay physically active.⁸
• Take breaks from computer or phone screens
• Manage diabetes — the CDC reports that 90% of blindness caused by diabetes is preventable.¹
• Tell your eye care professional about any vision issues in your family history.

Keep Healthy Sight in Clear View

Vision insurance is integral to your overall health and can help cover the cost of eye exams, glasses and contact lenses. At GuideStone®, we’re here to advocate for your well-being through all seasons of your life so that you can focus on the Lord’s calling — whether you’re new to the ministry, a seasoned employee or nearing your retirement years. For more information, contact us at Insurance@GuideStone.org or 1-844-INS-GUIDE (1-844-467-4843), Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT.

¹cdc.gov/visionhealth/basics/ced/fastfacts.htm