As we mature in years, our vision may undergo subtle changes. Most of the changes are normal and only a few conditions threaten our sight. Healthy eyes properly cared for can provide good vision for a lifetime. Among the normal vision changes occurring as we age are:

Presbyopia

At about 40 years of age, seeing to read or do close work such as sewing may become difficult. This is known as "presbyopia." Reading glasses or contact lenses prescribed to correct presbyopia may be needed.

Presbyopia, a name which comes from the Greek words for "old eye," occurs because the crystalline lens, an essential component of the eye's refractive, or light-bending, structure, loses flexibility as it grows thicker with age. This lack of flexibility affects the ability to focus on close objects. Generally, by around age 45, reading glasses are required for nearby tasks.

If near- or farsightedness is also a problem, bifocals or correction through monovision, in which one contact lens is prescribed to correct for distance viewing and the other for close work, may be recommended.

Spots and floaters

People of every age may at times see spots and floaters, which appear to look like specks of material, cobwebs, thread-like strands or showers of brilliant crystals. But during the middle years, they may become more frequent. These are optical defects that occur as the vitreous, the jelly-like body in the main globe of the eye, becomes less jelly-like and more liquid as time goes by. This change is not always uniform, and so the mixture of jelly-like and liquid materials can affect the passage of light to the retina. The result is seen as 'floaters'. Although spots and floaters are typically not of concern, they should be evaluated by an eye care practitioner. If you suddenly experience a large number of floaters, don't wait to see your eye care practitioner. A sudden change may signify that something is wrong.