How Age-Related Vision Changes Affect Men: What To Expect In Your 40s and Beyond

As you age, various bodily functions begin to slow down, and your vision is no exception. While women are generally more likely to experience changes in vision as they grow older, men must also be vigilant, particularly once they reach the age of 40. Around this age, many complain of noticing subtle changes in their eyesight, such as blurred vision or trouble seeing objects or text that are near to you, which can be signs of age-related conditions like presbyopia, cataracts, or glaucoma.
While some vision changes are a normal part of ageing, regular eye exams are crucial for men to detect and address any potential issues early on. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Anjal Shah, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Cataract and Refractive Surgeon, Dr. Sachdev Maxivision Eye Hospital, Surat, shines light on the same and shares what men in their 40s need to know about age-related vision changes.
Also Read: When Should Your Child Get Their First Eye Exam?
Common Age-Related Vision Changes In Men In Their 40s
“In their 40s, many men experience presbyopia, a gradual loss of the eye’s ability to focus on close objects. This often leads to needing reading glasses or bifocals,” says Dr Shah.
According to a study published in Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, in 2015, presbyopia affected more than 100 crore people worldwide, with a prevalence of 24.9%. This is expected to remain steady at 24.1% by 2030, but the number of people affected will increase to more than 200 crore due to population growth, researchers noted. Several factors influence the prevalence of presbyopia, including age, location (urban vs. rural), sex, and, to a lesser extent, socioeconomic status, education, and health inequality.
Other common age-related changes include dry eyes, reduced night vision, and increased sensitivity to glare. Over time, men may also notice a decline in contrast sensitivity and colour perception, Dr Shah shares.
Factors That Contribute To Vision Changes
Several factors can contribute to vision changes with age. One of the leading factors is lifestyle habits like smoking, poor diet, excessive screen time, and lack of exercise can accelerate age-related vision changes, says Dr Shah, adding that smoking, for example, increases the risk of cataracts and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), while a diet lacking in essential nutrients can deprive the eyes of the antioxidants needed to maintain healthy vision.
Additionally, prolonged screen time can contribute to digital eye strain and worsen presbyopia.
Also Read: How Long Can You Wear Your Contact Lenses For? And Other Common Questions Answered
Prevention Tips For Men To Slow Down Vision Changes
There are many measures men can take to maintain their eye health as they age. These include:
- Wearing sunglasses to protect against Ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause cataracts and AMD.
- Limiting screen time or taking regular breaks to reduce eye strain.
- Quitting smoking to lower the risk of eye diseases.
- Regular eye exams and protective eyewear can also help prevent or slow vision decline.
Dr Shah says, “Regular eye exams can detect early signs of conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration before symptoms arise, allowing for timely treatment,” highlighting that eye exams also provide insights into overall health, as some conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure first show signs in the eyes.
Additionally, eating a diet rich in vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene helps protect the eyes from oxidative damage. One should also stay physically active to improve blood circulation, benefit eye health, and reduce pressure on the optic nerve. Do not compromise your sleep and get enough rest. These habits, combined with regular check-ups, can promote long-term eye health and slow age-related decline, Dr Shah concludes.
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