Top Eye Conditions Affecting Aging Adults and How to Manage Them

As we age, changes in vision become increasingly common. Some of these changes are natural, while others may indicate conditions that require medical attention. Whether you’re in your 40s or caring for someone in their 70s, staying informed can help protect lifelong eye health.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common eye conditions in aging adults and how to manage them effectively.

1. Presbyopia (Age-Related Farsightedness)

 

Presbyopia typically starts in your early 40s and makes it harder to focus on nearby objects.

Signs:

• Needing to hold reading material farther away
• Difficulty reading small text or using a phone
• Eyestrain during close-up tasks
  

Management Tips:

• Reading glasses or multifocal lenses
• Increasing font sizes on screens
• Adequate lighting for reading

Explore some of our Bôhten frames - designed to support progressive lenses while keeping you stylish and comfortable throughout the day. 

2. Cataracts

 

A cataract clouds the eye’s lens, leading to blurry or dim vision. It’s one of the most common causes of vision loss in older adults.

Signs:

• Cloudy or foggy vision
• Increased light sensitivity
• Colors appearing fade

Management Tips:

• Wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection
• Updating prescriptions regularly
• Cataract surgery (safe and often outpatient)
  

Bôhten sunglasses are designed with polarized, UV400 lenses that protect against harmful sun exposure and help prevent cataract progression.

3. Glaucoma

Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma gradually damages the optic nerve, usually due to elevated eye pressure. It often has no early symptoms.

Signs:

• Loss of side (peripheral) vision
• Eye pain in some cases
• Halos around lights
  
  

Management Tips:

• Annual eye exams after age 40
• Prescription eye drops
• Laser treatments or surgery when needed
  
  

Pro Tip: If glaucoma runs in your family, schedule regular screenings with your eye doctor even before symptoms appear.

4. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

 

AMD affects the central retina (macula), making it hard to read, drive, or recognize faces.

Signs:

• Blurred or dark spots in the center of vision
• Distorted straight lines
• Difficulty with detail work
  
  

Management Tips:

• Antioxidant-rich diet (leafy greens, berries, omega-3s)
• AREDS supplements (under guidance from your doctor)
• UV protection sunglasses
  
  

Protect your macula from harmful UV rays with Bôhten’s eco-conscious sunglasses, crafted to block both UVA and UVB.

5. Dry Eye Syndrome

 

Dry eye happens when your tears don’t properly lubricate the eyes, common in people over 50, especially post-menopausal women.

Signs:

• Red, itchy, or burning eyes
• Blurry vision that improves with blinking
• Sensitivity to wind or screens
  
  

Management Tips:

• Artificial tears and omega-3 supplements
• Reducing screen time and increasing blink rate
• Wearing blue light filtering glasses
  

Bôhten’s blue-light filtering lenses help reduce eye strain during long screen sessions, perfect for older adults who stay digitally active.

 

Healthy aging includes regular eye exams, even if you haven’t noticed any changes in vision. Many eye conditions progress silently, but with early detection and the right eyewear, they can be managed effectively.

At Bôhten, we create eyewear that doesn’t just look good, it also supports your lifestyle and long-term eye health. Whether you need prescription lenses, sun protection, or screen-time comfort, we’ve got frames that age as gracefully as you do.