21 Ways Aging Changes Your Eyes

By Vered Hazanchuk Reviewed By Usiwoma E Abugo, MD Edited By Daniel Porter Published Aug. 18, 2025 by The American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Two out of three Americans falsely believe vision loss is inevitable as we age. Sure, aging affects your eyes — but vision loss is not the norm. Here are 21 common changes to vision, some less common eye diseases, and the best ways to protect yourself as you age:

Common signs of aging eyes

1. Trouble reading fine print

Presbyopia is common after the age of 40. This inevitable part of aging makes it more difficult to focus at near for activities such as reading or sewing. Reading glasses can help, as can some contact lenses and refractive surgeries. And there are now prescription eye drop medicines taken daily that help improve reduced near vision from presbyopia.

2. Difficulty seeing at night

Older adults may notice that their eyes take longer to adjust and focus in the dark than they used to. Studies suggest that the eye’s rod cells, which are responsible for low light vision, weaken with age. That’s why driving at night or in poor weather becomes trickier as we get older. The National Traffic Safety Administration recommends that older people only drive during daytime.

3. Dry eyes

Older adults tend to produce fewer tears. This is an uncomfortable eye condition called dry eye. Dry eye is especially common among women who have gone through menopause. Your ophthalmologist will recommend the best dry eye treatment for you.

4. Objects blending into backgrounds

It may become more difficult to distinguish objects from similarly colored backgrounds, such as milk in a white cup. This is a loss of contrast sensitivity. Low vision techniques can help with this, such as using opposite colors around the house.

5. Red, swollen eyelids

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. Blepharitis becomes more common due to hormonal changes as we age. Symptoms include red or swollen eyes, crust around the eyelashes, or soreness.

6. Spots or floaters in your vision

The vitreous, or jelly-like substance filling the middle of the eye thickens or shrinks as we age. When this happens, tiny clumps of gel can form and cause floaters in our vision. This is usually harmless. But if you suddenly start seeing many more new floaters, see your ophthalmologist as this can be a sign of a serious condition, like a torn retina.

7. Flashes of light

When people see occasional flashes of light in their vision, it is often a sign of aging. These flashes happen when the vitreous rubs or pulls on retina. Like floaters, see your ophthalmologist if you notice a sudden increase in frequency of flashes.

8. Glare sensitivity

Aging adults with certain eye conditions may notice an increased sensitivity to glare. You can reduce glare by:

• Adjusting the lighting around the house
• covering your eyes with sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat while outdoors, and
• using a matte screen filter on digital devices.

9. Cataracts

Half of Americans over the age of 75 develop cataracts. A cataract is when the lens inside of our eye become cloudy, making it difficult to see. Cataracts can be treated with surgery.

10. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a common eye disease, usually found in adults over the age of 50. Patients may not notice symptoms during early stages of the disease. But central vision will eventually decline. Treatment varies depending on the type of AMD.

11. Glaucoma

People of all ages can be diagnosed with glaucoma, but the disease is most common among older adults. The disease damages the optic nerve and can lead to blindness if not treated early. As there is normally no early symptoms, regular eye exams are the best way to protect yourself from vision loss.

12. Diabetic eye disease

Diabetic retinopathy is another leading cause of vision loss among adults. Very high levels of blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the retina. This damage causes vision loss. There are various treatment options for diabetic retinopathy.

13. Eye cancer

Although ocular melanoma very is rare, it is the most common eye cancer in adults. Early symptoms of ocular melanoma often go unnoticed, which is why routine eye exams are critical in catching this cancer early.

14. Falls can cause vision-threatening injuries

Falling becomes more likely as we age due to changes in balance and vision. This can lead to serious injuries, including eye injuries — which happen most often at home. Make simple adjustments around the house to minimize the impact and risk of falling, such as:

• cushioning sharp corners of furniture and home fixtures,
• ensuring hallways and walkways have good lighting.
• keeping heavily trafficked areas tidy and free of obstructions
• securing railings, and
• making sure rugs and mats are slip-proof.

15. Poor sleep

Research suggests our eyes absorb less blue light as we age. This is why our bodies often produce less melatonin in our later years, which can disrupt our normal sleep-wake cycles. Sleep problems are also believed to be more common in those with glaucoma and diabetic eye disease.

How to protect your eyes — and your overall health — as you age

16. Health problems might show up first in your eyes

Routine eye exams are important for ensuring your overall health. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, vitamin deficiencies, and several diseases can be detected through the eye before any symptoms surface. An eye exam may even reveal a senior’s risk for dementia.

17. Knowing your family’s health history can protect your future

Identifying your risk factors is important for preventing serious eye diseases. Discuss family history, ethnicity, age, and other factors with your ophthalmologist.

18. Healthy living is especially important as you age

Healthy habits like exercising and eating well have always been important for your health. This is especially true as you age. Preventing or managing conditions like obesity or diabetes will protect your eyes too.

19. Low vision tools can help

Loss of good vision is not a normal part of aging. But if you have vision loss from an eye disease, low vision tools can help you maintain independence. These range from smartphone apps that read text aloud to hand-held magnifiers. A low vision rehabilitation team can provide personalized recommendations to make life easier.

20. Prepare for exams when caring for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia

If you care for someone with dementia, being well prepared for their eye exams can help protect their vision. Here are some useful tips for caregivers when seeing an ophthalmologist with an Alzheimer’s or dementia patient.

21. Plan to get your eyes checked more often as you age

As you age, expect to get dilated eye exams more often to make sure all is well with your eye health. The Academy recommends all healthy adults get a baseline eye exam with an ophthalmologist by age 40. Seniors over the age of 65 should see an ophthalmologist every one to two years.