Published: 30 July 2021 | Updated: 28 September 2026 | Author: Smart Vision Optometry
Editorial and clinical update — 28 September 2026: The original article/interview body below is retained in its editorial form, including its attributed quotations and narrative structure. Current evidence and clinical guidance are presented separately below and should be relied on where older wording or claims differ.
It’s a birthday that many celebrate with some trepidation. It’s the big four-zero and it’s the start of a decade that has more than its share of ups and downs. On the upside, one is still relatively young, and have the confidence that comes with experience. On the downside, a whole lot of medical professionals will be telling them to be a little more careful with their health, and their eye doctor will be among them.
That’s because eyes change over time, and just as their joints might be feeling a bit more creaky than they did when they were in their twenties, the lenses inside their eyes can become less flexible. Here’s what they can expect from their eyes after 40 and what they can do about it.
1. “Long Arms” for Reading
The lens of the eye flexes to allow for the switch between near and far vision. Over time, it loses its flexibility, and even those who never needed glasses before may find that they need specs for reading. “It’s one of those things,” says Australian behavioural optometrist Jacqueline Gattegno, proprietor of Eyes in Design Bondi. “If you haven’t been going for regular eye tests before the age of 40, you should certainly begin to do so.”
2. Dry Eyes
Every time someone blinks, their eyes are lubricated with tear fluid. There are a lot of different reasons for dry eyes including long hours spent in front of the computer, dry air, and ageing eyes. Dry eye can occur at any age and becomes more common with increasing age. Women who are experiencing menopause or are past menopause are more likely to get dry eyes than men are, but that doesn’t leave men with one less thing to worry about. They can get dry eyes too.
Dry-eye severity varies, and persistent symptoms deserve assessment. Severe or untreated disease can affect the eye surface, so discomfort should not simply be ignored. “Special drops can relieve dry eyes,” says Jacqueline. “You can also try helping your eyes by taking fish oil capsules and drinking lots of water.”
Clinical clarification — 28 September 2026: Jacqueline’s original advice is retained as an interview quotation. Fish-oil supplements and extra water are not guaranteed dry-eye treatments. Care should address the cause and severity; discuss supplements, drops and medicines with your clinician rather than replacing prescribed care.
3. Reduced Night Vision
Difficulty seeing in low light can have several causes, including prescription changes or cataracts, and warrants assessment rather than being attributed automatically to ageing. “An optometrist can’t improve your night vision per se,” says Jacqueline, “but making sure that your eyewear prescription is correct will help to some degree.”
Clinical context: The cause of a night-vision change matters. A prescription review or treatment of an identified condition may help. Avoid driving if you cannot see safely, and seek prompt advice for a sudden change.
4. Glaucoma
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve. Higher eye pressure is an important risk factor, but glaucoma can also occur when pressure is within the usual range. Early diagnosis and treatment can help preserve remaining vision; they do not reverse established nerve damage. Risk increases with age, making appropriate examination and follow-up important.
5. Cataracts
Cataracts form when the proteins in the eye’s lens clump together, clouding the lens and blurring vision. Someone might notice them because they’re seeing halo effects when they look at lights, because their night vision is becoming worse, or because they’re experiencing blurry vision.
“If cataracts are so bad that stronger glasses can’t restore vision, laser surgery solves the problem,” says Jacqueline. “It’s not a major procedure, and the success rate is excellent. Surgery may sound worrying, but it doesn’t require a stay in hospital, and the chances are excellent that your vision will be better than ever before. It’s definitely not something to be scared of.”
Clinical correction: Cataract surgery removes the cloudy natural lens and usually replaces it with an artificial lens; it is not simply laser treatment. Some procedures use a laser for selected steps. Surgery has risks and cannot guarantee vision better than ever before. Suitability, recovery and likely outcomes should be discussed with the treating ophthalmologist. The original quote is preserved above, not presented as an individual treatment promise.
6. Macular Degeneration
The macula is the central part of the retina and supports detailed central vision. Age-related macular degeneration can cause central blur or distortion. Monitoring and treatment depend on the type and stage; not every form has the same treatment or outlook. “It’s not something that affects all people with ageing eyes,” says Jacqueline, “but it’s something to look out for since the damage isn’t reversible.”
Take-Home Message
Eye examinations become even more important once a person is over 40. The review interval should reflect symptoms, examination findings and personal risk. Some conditions require treatment or surgery, and early detection can help, but regular checks do not guarantee a particular outcome.
HEAR: Ultra106.5FM Interview with Jacqueline Gattegno – Changes in Eyesight Due to a Rise in Stress Levels
For more information on eye health, visual skills and therapy, or to book an appointment, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.
Book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.
Further evidence and related interviews
Further reading includes the National Eye Institute’s explanations of presbyopia, glaucoma and eye pressure and cataract surgery, plus Healthdirect’s macular degeneration information.
Related interviews cover dry and watery eyes, diabetes eye checks and routine eye care.
Which changes should not wait?
Seek urgent care for sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, new flashes with many floaters, or a curtain-like shadow. These are not changes to dismiss as normal ageing or leave until the next routine check.
Frequently asked questions
Does everyone need reading glasses exactly at 40?
No. Near focusing changes with age, but the timing and correction needs vary. An examination can assess the cause of difficulty and suitable options.
Does normal eye pressure rule out glaucoma?
No. Glaucoma can occur at pressures within the usual range. A comprehensive assessment considers the optic nerve and other findings.
Should I wait for my next routine check if vision changes suddenly?
No. Sudden or severe visual symptoms need prompt advice, and symptoms such as sudden vision loss or a curtain-like shadow need urgent care.
Eye checks in Bondi Beach and Mosman
Contact the Bondi Beach practice or Mosman practice to discuss a routine examination. Tell the practice about new symptoms when arranging care so the urgency can be considered.
