5 Vision Changes That Are NOT Just Part of Getting Older

Introduction

It’s easy to dismiss changes in eyesight as “just part of ageing.” After all, many people need reading glasses in their 40s or notice increased difficulty seeing at night as they age. While some vision changes are normal and expected, others can signal more serious underlying conditions that should not be ignored.

In this article, we’ll explore five vision changes that go beyond normal ageing—and may point to eye conditions that require professional assessment and treatment.

1. Sudden Blurred Vision

What’s Normal:

Gradual difficulty focusing on near objects (presbyopia) often begins in the 40s and is a completely normal phenomenon.

What’s Not:

If your vision becomes suddenly blurry—whether in one eye or both—it’s a red flag. This can indicate:

• Retinal detachment

• Cataracts that have progressed rapidly

• Diabetic retinopathy

• Stroke or mini-stroke (TIA)

• Acute glaucoma

Blurred vision that comes on quickly, especially if accompanied by dizziness, eye pain, or visual distortion, requires immediate attention.

2. Seeing Halos or Rainbows Around Lights

What’s Normal:

Mild glare or sensitivity at night is common with age, especially when driving.

What’s Not:

Seeing halos, rings, or rainbow-coloured fringes around lights could be a symptom of:

• Cataracts (especially nuclear or cortical types)

• Glaucoma – rising eye pressure can cause corneal swelling

• Corneal oedema or inflammation

• Incorrect contact lens use

These visual disturbances may signal a build-up of pressure in the eye or a lens becoming cloudy, both of which can severely impact vision if left untreated.

Loss of Peripheral (Side) Vision

What’s Normal:

There is no normal age-related reason to lose peripheral vision.

What’s Not:

Tunnel vision—a narrowing of your visual field—is strongly associated with glaucoma, especially open-angle glaucoma, which progresses silently and often without early warning signs.

Other possible causes include:

• Retinitis pigmentosa

• Neurological conditions

• Retinal detachment

Peripheral vision loss is subtle but dangerous. It may first show up as difficulty noticing people or objects from the side, misjudging steps or curbs, or bumping into furniture.

4. Frequent Changes in Eyeglass Prescription

What’s Normal:

A gradual change in prescription every few years is typical.

What’s Not:

If your optometrist or ophthalmologist is constantly updating your prescription, and your vision still doesn’t feel quite right, it could be a warning sign of:

• Cataract formation (especially nuclear cataracts, which cause myopic shifts)

• Diabetes-related changes to the lens

• Corneal conditions, such as keratoconus

• Uncontrolled hypertension

Frequent prescription changes should not be dismissed. They often reflect underlying structural changes in the eye.

5. Floaters, Flashes or a Shadow in Your Vision

What’s Normal:

A few floaters—those specks or threads that drift across your vision—are common, especially in older adults.

What’s Not:

A sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or the appearance of a dark curtain or shadow could indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which is a medical emergency.

Other potential causes include:

• Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)

• Bleeding in the eye

• Inflammation or infection

If you notice these symptoms, especially in one eye, do not wait—prompt treatment is critical to preserving your vision.

Why It’s Dangerous to Assume “It’s Just Ageing”

Assuming that vision changes are “normal” can delay diagnosis of serious, and often treatable, eye conditions. Many sight-threatening diseases—such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and cataracts—develop gradually, and early symptoms may go unnoticed or be brushed off.

The earlier these conditions are identified, the better the outcome will be. Timely intervention can:

• Prevent irreversible vision loss

• Simplify treatment plans

• Improve quality of life

• Preserve independence, mobility, and mental health

When to See an Eye Specialist

You should schedule a comprehensive eye examination immediately if you experience:

• Rapid or significant changes in vision

• Vision loss in one or both eyes

• Unexplained visual disturbances

• Eye pain, redness, or pressure

• A sudden increase in floaters or flashes

Even without symptoms, adults over 40 should undergo regular eye exams to detect conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration before they become noticeable.

Final Thoughts

While ageing naturally brings some visual changes, not all of them are “just part of getting older.” Knowing the difference between harmless symptoms and signs of disease can make all the difference in preserving your sight.

Your eyes deserve the same level of care and attention as the rest of your body. If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the signs discussed here, don’t wait—book an appointment with a trusted ophthalmologist.