Changes in vision are natural as we age. While some shifts in eyesight may be mild and manageable, others can significantly affect day-to-day life. Understanding what happens to our eyes as we get older can help us take proactive steps to protect our vision and maintain our independence.
Trinity Homecare is committed to enhancing the care we provide to our valued clients, ensuring they can remain comfortably at home while receiving dedicated support that improves their quality of life and health outcomes.
To achieve this, we’ve partnered with OutsideClinic, specialists in delivering at-home eye and hearing tests for those who find it difficult to visit an optician or audiologist. Using the latest portable testing equipment, they offer comprehensive tests without clients needing to leave their homes.
This article was written in collaboration with OutsideClinic to highlight the importance of proactive vision care.
Eyes and ageing
It’s common for our eyes to undergo a series of natural changes as we grow older. These changes can impact not only our ability to see clearly but also how our eyes adapt to different lighting conditions and distances. Ageing eyes may become more sensitive to glare, have difficulty adjusting between bright and dim environments and lose some sharpness in vision.
While these changes are normal, they don’t necessarily mean your quality of life will decline. Regular eye check ups, a healthy lifestyle and understanding how your vision may evolve over time can help maintain strong, clear eyesight for many years to come.
Maintaining eye health is important at every stage of life, and with the right preventative care, the effects of ageing on your eyes can often be minimised. Modern treatments, corrective lenses and surgeries offer a range of solutions to many age-related eye conditions, making it possible to preserve or improve vision well into your senior years.
At what age does vision loss occur?
The onset of vision changes varies from person to person but many people begin to notice small shifts in their eyesight in their 40s or 50s. One of the most common early signs is presbyopia, which makes it harder to focus on objects up close—like reading a book or checking your phone. This natural change in lens flexibility is part of the ageing process and is easily managed with reading glasses or multifocal lenses.
More significant vision loss often becomes a concern as people reach their 60s and beyond. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle and overall health can influence the rate and severity of vision decline. For example, people with a family history of eye diseases or those who have certain conditions like diabetes may experience vision loss earlier than others. Regular eye examinations are key to detecting problems early. Many age-related vision issues can be treated or managed effectively if caught in the early stages.
Early intervention can slow or even halt the progression of certain eye conditions, ensuring that vision loss doesn’t severely impact your daily life. So, while vision changes with age are common, they don’t have to lead to significant impairment if handled proactively.
Common conditions associated with ageing
Several eye conditions become more prevalent as we age. Being aware of these potential issues can help you take early action to manage or prevent vision loss.
Here are some of the most common age-related eye conditions:
Cataracts
Cataracts are the result of a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurry vision and difficulty seeing at night or in bright light. This condition is incredibly common, affecting more than half of people over 80. Luckily, cataracts are treatable with surgery, where the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear, artificial one. Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed and successful procedures worldwide, restoring clear vision for millions each year.
Glaucoma
Often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, usually due to increased pressure within the eye. Glaucoma can develop slowly, and without regular eye exams, it may go unnoticed until significant vision is lost. Once vision is lost to glaucoma, it cannot be recovered, but early detection and treatment with medications, laser therapy or surgery can prevent further damage and preserve sight.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
AMD affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. This condition leads to blurriness or a blind spot in the centre of your visual field, making it difficult to read, drive or recognise faces. AMD is one of the leading causes of vision loss in older adults. While there is no cure, certain treatments can slow its progression. A healthy diet rich in antioxidants, along with special medications or laser therapy, can help manage the condition.
Dry eyes
As we age, tear production often decreases, leading to dry eyes. This can cause discomfort, itching and blurred vision. Dry eyes are more than just an annoyance—they can also increase the risk of infection and damage to the surface of the eye. Artificial tears, prescription medications and lifestyle changes, such as reducing screen time or using a humidifier, can help manage this condition and maintain eye comfort.
Taking proactive steps to care for your eyes, such as wearing sunglasses to protect from UV light, maintaining a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and keeping up with regular eye exams, can significantly reduce the risk or impact of these conditions. Early detection and treatment are crucial in preserving your vision as you age.
Tips for healthy eyes as you age
Maintaining good eye health is essential for preserving your vision and overall quality of life as you age. Here are some practical tips to help keep your eyes in optimal condition:
- Schedule regular eye exams: Routine eye check ups are vital for detecting early signs of age-related eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. The NHS recommends having your vision examined every two years and you may be eligible for free eye exams.
- Protect your eyes from UV rays: Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays can help protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun, reducing the risk of cataracts and other eye issues.
- Eat a nutrient-rich diet: A healthy diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E and omega-3 fatty acids can support eye health. Leafy greens, fish and brightly coloured fruits and vegetables are particularly beneficial.
- Stay hydrated: Keeping your body well-hydrated supports overall health, including your eyes. Proper hydration helps prevent dry eyes and ensures that your eyes are moisturised and comfortable.
- Manage health conditions: Chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can negatively impact your eyes. Managing these conditions through proper medication, diet and exercise can help reduce the risk of eye complications.
- Rest your eyes: If you spend a lot of time on screens, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to prevent eye strain.
- Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Quitting smoking can help protect your vision and overall health.
OutsideClinic: Eye tests and hearing tests at home
As the only NHS-approved provider of their kind and with over 35 years of experience, OutsideClinic understands the value of your independence and the comfort of your own home. That’s why their service is built around your specific needs, providing you with the convenience and flexibility of having your appointments at home. OutsideClinic specialists use advanced portable equipment and will share their findings with you on the day.
OutsideClinic offers a comprehensive end-to-end service that goes beyond just testing. If you need new glasses or hearing aids, they can also help. You’ll be presented with a variety of styles and price points, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your needs. Plus, their commitment to your satisfaction extends beyond the initial fitting—with a full year of aftercare included at no extra cost.
Find out more and book a home test.
Home care for vision loss
Trinity Homecare is a fully managed care agency with an ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating, placing Trinity amongst the top 4% of all nationwide care companies in England. With this in mind, you can rest assured that your loved one will receive the highest standard of care and specialist support.
For individuals experiencing vision loss, our compassionate carers offer essential assistance, helping to ensure safety and ease in daily activities. Whether through our nationwide live-in care or regular home visits, our expertly trained team is equipped to support those with visual impairments. They can help with tasks such as navigating the home, managing medications and maintaining independence, all while fostering connections to family and the community.
Our goal is to enhance quality of life and provide the support necessary for your loved one to thrive.
How to arrange live-in care
Trinity Homecare is a well-established, fully managed care agency, with an ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating. This places Trinity amongst the top 4% of all nationwide care companies in England. With this in mind, you can rest assured that your loved one will receive the highest standard of care and specialist support.
Awarded an ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating, Trinity ranks amongst the top 3% of all nationwide care companies in England. This gives you the peace of mind that your loved one will receive the highest standard of acute care and support.
Arranging live-in care with Trinity is easy. Just follow these five simple steps:
- Call our care team
- Undergo a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your care needs and arrange a care assessment
- After the assessment, a plan of care is created
- A well suited carer is found and placed
- Care can be adapted at any time
