Setting the Stage for Healthy Vision for Life at Age 40

For some people, a milestone birthday, such as turning 40, prompts them to stop and prioritize their health. You might think your 40th birthday may be the start of a decline in your vision when you'll need to reach for reading glasses. You may also develop some vision changes that you brush off as normal aging. 
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It's true that your eyes undergo age-related changes that can affect your vision. However, all changes should not be attributed to natural signs of aging. 

Your 40s are not about accepting some vision loss. Instead, they're about developing healthy habits and protecting your vision into your 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond. 

At 40, you may still see clearly. However, important changes may be taking place behind the scenes. Understanding the possible changes and making some adjustments can provide a critical difference in your long-term eye health. 

Continue reading for information on setting the stage for healthy eyes to protect your vision for the next several decades.
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Why 40 may be the turning point 

Your eyes don't suddenly age and change on your 40th birthday, but somewhere in middle age, several things may start to happen. For example, tear quality and production may decline, increasing your susceptibility to dry eyes. Hormonal changes may also affect tear production. 

The flexible lens in your eye may become stiffer as you age. This makes it more difficult to focus on close-up print, which makes reading glasses a common accessory among middle-aged people. 

Early changes to the optic nerve and the retina can start even if you do not notice any symptoms.
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The need for a baseline eye exam 

If you're approaching your 40th birthday, you may think your vision hasn't changed, so you assume your eyes are healthy and you're fine. Keep in mind that the eye chart does not tell the complete story.

Various eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts, can develop without symptoms for years. Many people do not realize they have these conditions until they're in the advanced stages.

Having a comprehensive eye exam in your 40s establishes a baseline and helps your eye doctor track subtle changes over time.
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Establish healthy lifestyle habits in your 40s

By middle age, you may not be able to maintain the same lifestyle habits you had when you were younger. For example, not getting enough sleep, unhealthy eating, and lack of exercise will usually catch up with you in your 40s.

Prioritizing your well-being and developing healthy lifestyle habits at 40 will help shape your future vision. Consider the following controllable lifestyle habits to improve your eye health: 

• Avoid smoking.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Wear sunglasses outside to avoid excess UV light exposure.
• Maintain a healthy weight to decrease your risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, which can have vision complications. 
• Try to prioritize sleep and get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
• Avoid extended screen use, especially in poor lighting.
• Get regular exercise.

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Your Vision Checklist at 40

If you're already in your 40s or about to turn 40, your vision checklist can help you take charge of your eye health and stay proactive.

• Have a comprehensive eye exam that can evaluate your optic nerve health, eye pressure, and overall eye function. 
• Consider a dry eye screening, which can help you identify issues with your tear film or production to improve long-term eye surface health.
• Wear eye protection when playing certain sports or performing activities that pose a risk of eye injury. 
• Review your family history for eye conditions, such as macular degeneration and retinal diseases, which may increase your risk.
• Manage health conditions such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which can lead to Vision complications if the conditions go unchecked.

If you have any questions about ways to keep your eyes healthy, we are happy to help. Also, if you would like to schedule an eye appointment with one of our eye doctors, please call our office at 508-746-8600.