What You Need to Know About Vision Over 40

Vision over 40 requires discussion because you enter into a new phase of vision changes and susceptibilities. Between 41-60 years of age, the human eye begins to change. Everyone, even if you have been seeing 20/20 all your life, is subject to these vision changes. Typically, sometime after the age of 40, it is common for adults to begin to struggle with seeing at close distances. You may begin to notice symptoms when you are participating in activities that require you to focus your eyes on the text of a book or on a computer screen.

The inability for your eyes to focus properly on objects close up is called presbyopia and is caused when the lens inside the eye becomes less flexible. Without the flexibility, the eye is not able to change focus from objects that are far away to objects that are near. Around 60 years of age, your presbyopia will stop progressing, but until then you may find the need to continue to have your prescriptions altered and changed to accommodate your presbyopia symptoms.

What to Do with Near Vision Problems

For those of you who have never had to struggle with your vision before, your vision over 40, and the onset of presbyopia, can be a challenging new condition to adapt to. The use of contact lenses or eyeglasses can help easily treat your symptoms, but you will need to be patient with yourself as you transition to using a tool to help you see. Others of you may already be using glasses and contacts to see clearly in the distance. Changes in your near vision can be corrected by changing the type of contact lenses and eyeglasses that you use. Bifocal or multifocal lenses will help eliminate your symptoms. Laser surgery and other refractive surgery procedures are also available for presbyopia symptoms.

Comprehensive Examinations Every Two Years

Between the ages of 41-60, it is important to schedule a comprehensive eye examination every two years so we can monitor changes to your vision and the rate of your changes. Staying involved in your eye health will help you preserve this essential life tool for the length of your life.

At Risk Categories

Some individuals will need to take extra precautions with their vision over 40 and be more vigilant with eye exams and care if they fall into any of the following categories:

• Suffer from chronic, systemic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

• Have a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration.

• Are engaged in job that requires extended use of your eyes or put them at risk

• Vision-impairing medications. (Medications for anxiety, depression, arthritis, or cholesterol can cause visual side effects)

Warning Signs of Eye Health Problems

Problems with near vision are not the only things that you may be more at risk for with vision over 40. This also a time of your life when other age-related eye conditions can develop. By committing to regular eye examinations you can get in front of most serious eye issues. In between visits, watch out for these warning signs to help prevent you from ignoring a real problem that needs to be addressed:

Eye Health Red Flags

• Floaters and Light Flashes

• Fluctuating vision

• Peripheral (side) vision loss

• Distorted vision

Call for a Consultation

Age-related vision changes can be corrected with a little help. While advancing age does mean you have to take more steps to ensure optimal eye health, it doesn’t have to overwhelm you! We are here to help you every step of the way. Located at two convenient Denver locations–King Soopers Shopping Center off of South Monaco Parkway in Denver and at the Brentwood Shopping Center on Federal Boulevard–Optical Masters can offer you top-rate eye care services and help you with your eye health goals.