In today’s world, it seems there are more strains on our eyes than ever before. Air conditioning drying them out, car headlights getting brighter, and the constant presence of screens on computers and phones. As we age, there’s more demands on our eyes yet still, and according to the 2018 National Health Interviews Survey, 9.2 million American seniors ages 65 and over reported experiencing ‘significant vision loss’.

Common wisdom adheres that we should get our eyes checked every couple of years. But as we get older, is there value in getting optical exams more frequently?

If you are still living at home, it’s important to get your eyes checked regularly to ensure you’re still driving safely, for example. If seniors are in an assisted living or care home, it’s important for them to consult their on-site health professionals about their eye care. Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma, may not show symptoms until they’re at an advanced stage, so seniors should be particularly attuned to issues such as headaches, nausea, and redness of the eyes. Even without any symptoms or concerns, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends regular eye exams, specifically after age 40.

Ages 40 – 65

It’s important to have a baseline eye exam near the age of 40. This gives an eye doctor an understanding of the condition of your vision in order to aid with tracking any changes in vision over the coming years. The most common worsening in our sight in the immediate term is often long-sightedness, or presbyopia.

As we age, the lenses in our eyes lose some elasticity, and focusing on close up objects may become more difficult. Oftentimes, presbyopia can be remedied by wearing reading glasses when necessary. Middle age is usually when issues such as high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, and diabetes start to become more prevalent, which can also affect eyesight.

While our vision changes as we age, needing more light for reading is common, as is lessening of tear production (particularly in women experiencing changes in hormone levels). However, these aren’t necessarily danger signs, so it’s important to get our eyes checked regularly so that your eye doctor can monitor them, particularly if you have further risk factors such as a visually demanding job.

Ages 65+

It’s recommended that adults 65 and over get their eyes checked at least biannually, and more often if they have risk conditions such as a family history of glaucoma or diabetes. For seniors in assisted living situations, it’s important to talk to your on-site healthcare professionals about health conditions. As part of their healthcare administration degree program, they will have concentrated on senior services and learned about topics and issues relating to the gerontology field.

It’s important to make sure conditions are being managed properly so they don’t get worse. The CDC found in 2020 that 24.2 million people aged 65 and older have pre-diabetes. Progression into diabetes would heighten the risk of diabetic retinosis, which if left unchecked can lead to blindness.

It’s important for seniors still living at home to maintain a regular relationship with both their eye doctor in addition to their primary care physician (PCP). An AARP survey in 2018 reported that 58 percent of those who had regular medical check-ups reported that their primary care physician or other providers hadn’t asked about their eyes. It’s important to recognize and report on changes in the eyes such as worsening of central vision, which is often a sign of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Blurry vision and dulling of colors can be an early sign of cataracts.

High blood pressure can cause changes to blood vessels in the eyes, either thinning or ballooning, which can lead to swelling of the optic nerve. Vessel changes can often be spotted with an optical exam from a qualified eye doctor. Health administrators in senior facilities should consider eye care for those under their care with dementia-related conditions. Look out for seniors who may be bumping into objects or having difficulties with reading and writing – this may be related to eyesight and not simply be effects of dementia.

Our eyesight is a key part of our total health and doing things such as quitting smoking, monitoring our blood pressure, cardiovascular health and glucose levels benefit our whole bodies and not just our eyes. Talking often with our healthcare professionals about our eyesight, and having regular checks with an eye doctor, is an important part of a virtuous circle to maintain the lifestyle we wish to lead for longer.

Are you due for a comprehensive eye exam? Find an eye doctors near you to make an appointment ›

We get it, visiting the doctor, dentist, or any other health care provider isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, caring for your eyes, whether or not you see the need, is extremely important for your long-term vision.

Routine eye exams detect eye disease and conditions that may have nothing to do with refractive errors, like age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Symptoms of these and other general health conditions may not show themselves in obvious ways, but they could be putting you at risk.

So, even if you don’t have problems seeing or reading fine print, routine exams can help you rule out underlying conditions that could be affecting your overall health.

These exams can also determine if you would in fact benefit from reading glasses now or in the future — even if it is at a lesser power.

I don’t have vision problems. Do I still need an eye exam?

Even if you’ve never worn eyeglasses or contact lenses, your eyes still deserve the care and consideration of routine comprehensive eye exams. For those who don’t experience vision problems or risk factors — like diabetes or genetic eye conditions — the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends regular eye exams, specifically after age 40.

At this particular age, early signs of disease and major changes in vision may start appearing, according to the Academy. Catching the signs and treating them as early as possible can help your vision.

Around 40, people also begin experiencing presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness. This condition makes it difficult to focus on things up close and read the fine print in books, on labels, and on screens.

Typically, presbyopia can be corrected with a pair of reading glasses, which adds magnification to small objects. Our reading glasses have magnifying powers ranging from +1.00 to +7.00.

Curious if you would benefit from a pair of readers? Try out our power finder.

How often do I need an eye exam after age 40?

Generally speaking, adults between the ages of 40 and 54 who don’t experience vision problems or risk factors, like diabetes, should plan to see their eye doctor every two to four years. This recommendation again comes from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

If you are between 55 and 64 and still aren’t experiencing vision problems or risk factors, it’s recommended that you have an eye exam every one to three years. For the same circumstances after 65, the AAO recommends scheduling routine exams every year or two.

Of course, everyone’s vision health is different. Depending on your personal vision concerns and medical history, you may need to schedule exams more frequently — but your eye doctor can help you set up a game plan for your vision needs.

Why are comprehensive eye exams important?

Whether or not you wear reading glasses, comprehensive eye exams are the best way to make sure your vision is efficient and that your eyes are in good health.

Comprehensive eye exams tell you more than just how well you can see; they can also detect eye conditions and diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy — all of which affect older adults.

Genetic eye disease is another thing to take into consideration. Some eye diseases and conditions don’t affect people until later in life, and sometimes people are unaware that they have them because they don’t always present themselves clearly. The sooner an error in vision is detected, the sooner it can be treated.

What happens during a comprehensive eye exam?

During a comprehensive eye exam, an ophthalmologist or optometrist is checking the overall wellness of your vision. You will be asked to read an eye chart to determine if your vision (both near and far) needs correction. Your eye doctor may also:

• Test the alignment and movement of your eyes.
• Measure your depth perception.
• Check your peripheral vision.
• Check for signs of glaucoma with an “air puff” test.
• Evaluate your retinas and optic nerves for any sign of damage or disease.

How long does a comprehensive eye exam take? Comprehensive eye exams typically last between 45 and 90 minutes.

Reading glasses may not be part of your current vision plan, but if they are in your future, we’re here for you with many styles, colors, and lens powers to choose from. Until then, be sure to take care of your eyes and general health with routine comprehensive eye exams.

Are you due for a comprehensive eye exam? Find an eye doctor near you to make an appointment.

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While some of us may not even notice our prescription has changed, there are a number of obvious (when you know what to look for) signals that our specs could use a refresh. Keep an eye out for these eight signs that you may need new glasses.

↓ Click to enlarge infographic ↓

1. Blurry vision

When your eyeglasses aren’t providing that crisp, clear vision that they used to, it’s probably time to update your glasses prescription.

Sometimes blurry vision will call for fresh eyeglasses with multifocal lenses like bifocals or trifocals. If your text messages are starting to appear fuzzy but your long-distance vision is still good, progressive lenses could be a great upgrade. Or maybe it’s just time to introduce reading glasses to the mix.

Whatever your situation, blurry vision calls for a visit to the eye doctor.

2. Headaches

We may not realize that our vision is changing, but our brains immediately take notice and work to correct the issue. When our eyes are unable to focus, we squint and force the small muscles in our eyes to work harder, resulting in eye strain and headaches.

But headaches related to eyewear aren’t just caused by issues like undiagnosed myopia (nearsightedness) or an outdated prescription. There are plenty of other reasons your old glasses might be giving you headaches.

For instance, frames that don’t fit properly can also cause your head to hurt. If the temples (arms) of your frames are too tight against the side of your head or too short and pulling your ears, it can be uncomfortable enough to cause headaches and irritation.

If you suspect that your eyeglasses are to blame for those frequent headaches, it’s time for an exam. Your eye doctor will ensure your prescription is up to date and an optician will be able to adjust your frames or recommend the best fit for your face.

3. Squinting at Screens

Extended screen time with our computers, phones, and tablets can lead to excessive eye strain. Computer vision syndrome (also called digital eye strain) not only causes sore, tired eyes and headaches, but it can also affect your ability to get a good night’s rest.

So instead of cutting down on your productivity at work (or your social media scrolling), consider a pair of computer or blue light glasses. They’re relatively inexpensive, available with or without a prescription and will work to filter potentially harmful blue light* that can cause eye strain. Learn more about blue light glasses.

And just as with prescription eyewear, you’ll probably notice an immediate difference. Your sight will be clearer, screens won’t seem so harsh and, after a long day at the office, you’ll likely even get a better night’s sleep.

4. Double Vision

Experiencing ghost images with or without your corrective lenses?

Seeing two separate or overlapping images of the same object (diplopia) may be a sign of general fatigue, but it could also be a signal of serious health problems. You may or may not need another pair of glasses, but either way, you should see an eye doctor right away.

If your doctor finds that you have crossed eyes (strabismus), you’ll probably receive a pair of glasses with more prismatic power to reduce the diplopia and correct alignment issues.

Other possible treatments for double vision include patching one eye for periods of time and special contact lenses. More advanced treatments include vision therapy and even surgery.

5. Damaged Lenses

If you wear your eyeglasses every day for a year or more, you’ve probably noticed some wear and tear. Some issues like loose temples may affect the fit but perhaps not your ability to see.

On the other hand, scratched lenses can and likely will interfere with your sight and may need to be replaced sooner than later.

Other potential damage to your lenses may not be immediately noticeable. If you’ve ever used hot water to clean your spectacles, you may have unknowingly damaged any lens coatings.

Have your eyeglasses checked by your optician for any scratches or irreparable damage. They may also suggest adding scratch-resistant coatings to help lengthen the lifespan of your next pair.

6. Skipping Annual Eye Exams

There are plenty of reasons you may be tempted to reschedule your appointments. Maybe your insurance has changed, you’re nervous your prescription is getting worse and aren’t ready to invest in a replacement or you may have even grown attached to your current specs.

But scheduling regular eye exams is more important than just making sure your prescription is current. Your eye doctor may also include some or all of the following eye health tests to look for signs of vision issues:

• Visual acuity test: This exam will test the sharpness of your vision, checking how well you see the details of a letter or symbol from a specific distance.
• Color blindness test: This screening can help detect the presence of a color vision problem and determine the type and severity of color blindness. This test can also detect possible eye health problems that may affect your ability to see color.
• Ocular motility test: This assessment will test your eye’s movements and alignment by covering each eye and observing corneal light reflections.
• Stereopsis test: This test will be able to assess your level of depth perception.

7. A New Job

Sometimes a career change calls for more than just a wardrobe renovation. In addition to helping you stand out in a sea of other employees, a stylish new pair of glasses can also help you get the job done more efficiently.

For instance, if your next venture involves more computer time, you may want to invest in eyewear with anti-reflective and/or blue light-filtering coatings. More physical jobs may call for a durable scratch-resistant coating.

Visit an optician or eye doctor near you to discuss your work responsibilities. A professional will be able to suggest proper eyewear, lenses, and coatings for your new career.

8. Bored with Your Current Frames

If a just-released style of glasses is catching your eye and/or you’re ready for something different, treat yourself! You don’t have to wait for your prescription to change or your other frames to break down before you purchase another pair.

You’ll also find that some frames work better to complement or even enhance certain styles. For example, a dressier frame will instantly add polish to a professional ensemble. Or you may just want to have a little fun and experiment with a funky new style! Find the best frame shape for your face shape with this simple guide!

If your prescription has changed and you’re wary of tossing your beloved frames, ask your eye care provider if they can replace the lenses instead. In some cases, it may also be cheaper than purchasing an entirely new pair!

Updating your eyewear may sound like a chore, but it could be vital to both your eye health and your productivity. Whether it’s been a while or it’s just time for your annual visit, it’s in your best interest to book an eye exam to see if your prescription has changed.

*Lenses do not filter all blue light. References to “Blue Light Filtering” lenses or readers herein refer to readers having lenses to help reduce the amount of potentially harmful blue light transmitted through the lens and varies between lens types. Potentially harmful blue light refers to the 415-455 nanometer range of the visible light spectrum.

As you age, your relationship with your body is going to change: Your joints will creak, your memory will fade and you may find yourself turning to reading glasses when you’re curling up with a good book.

How does age affect your vision? What visual condition is leading you to have readers in your car, in your office drawer and various places around your house?

Let’s take a look:

Vision Changes with Age: What’s Normal?

Common age-related vision changes include blurry vision, night blindness, and loss of the ability to focus on near objects. You may also develop tunnel vision or experience central vision loss.

In many cases, corrective lenses, medication and/or surgery can help restore your quality of life.

Aging Eyes and Common Vision Problems

↓ Click infographic to enlarge ↓

Presbyopia (age-related farsightedness): One of the most common signs of aging is it gets harder to focus on near objects. For example, you may have trouble reading a menu or text messages on your phone. If you don’t already need vision correction, a pair of non-prescription reading glasses might be just what you need. The key is finding your reading glasses power.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): The macula is the part of the retina that’s responsible for your visual acuity (your ability to see clearly, drive, read, and even recognize faces). AMD is the top cause of central vision loss among older adults and can be diagnosed as wet (neovascular) or dry (non-neovascular).

Cataracts: Cataracts — the world’s leading cause of blindness — are the clouding of the eye’s lens. Symptoms include blurred vision and increased glare (which makes it difficult to drive at night). There are three types of cataracts: subcapsular, cortical, and nuclear. Nuclear cataracts are most closely linked with aging.

Glaucoma: This eye condition, caused by excess pressure inside the eye, is characterized by damage to the optic nerve and can lead to peripheral vision loss and blindness. Because there are no warning signs for glaucoma — and vision lost from the condition cannot be restored —, it’s important to get regular eye exams to try to catch it early. This is especially true if you have a family history of glaucoma or any other risk factors for it.

If you experience any changes in vision, including any of the symptoms listed of age-related vision conditions above, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor right away. After a comprehensive eye exam, you’ll have a better idea of what steps need to be taken (if any) and, if necessary, your doctor can refer you to a specialist for additional testing and care.

Can Eyesight Improve with Age?

If you feel like your eyesight is improving as you get older, it’s possible you’re just noticing that your vision has stabilized. However, if it really is improving, that may not be a good thing. Some improvements may actually be warning signs that worsening vision is on the way.

For example, one symptom of cataracts is “second sight,” in which your near vision can temporarily improve. But as cataracts develop, and your lenses cloud over, that improvement will vanish and it will become even more difficult for you to see.

The good news, at least about cataracts, is that it’s not all bad news. Cataract surgery is extremely common, safe and effective, and provides good chances of restoring any vision you may have lost to the condition.

Is Nearsightedness Affected by Age?

Those who deal with nearsightedness (myopia) in their youth typically experience a stabilization of their vision in their 20s, and from there, it’s possible for their myopia to worsen or, less commonly, for it to get a bit better. This is not to say that you will no longer be nearsighted, just that your prescription might change.

And there will probably come a time when you’re both near- and farsighted: Age-related farsightedness (presbyopia) is a common development for people over 40, so if (and when) it hits you, you may want to keep your reading glasses handy. Glasses with progressive lenses are another (albeit pricier) option.

If you’re having trouble reading the fine print, consider getting a pair of readers. With frames for every face shape and lenses to suit the sun or the screen, you’re sure to find the perfect pair.

SEE RELATED: Guide to Buying Reading Glasses