Medically Reviewed by SEI Medical Staff | Published Feb. 4, 2025
If you don’t wear glasses or contacts, you’re probably among the 50% of Americans who don’t get regular eye exams¹. But here’s the thing: even if your vision is crystal clear, seeing an eye doctor is essential for maintaining optimal eye health as you age.
Just like you visit a dentist to keep your teeth healthy, your eyes also need regular checkups. Many eye conditions develop gradually and may not show symptoms early on. The best way to safeguard your vision is through routine exams and proactive eye care.
Want to know how to protect your eyes at every stage of life? Keep reading!
Eye Health in Your 20s and 30s
Your 20s and 30s are all about laying the foundation for long-term eye health. By taking preventive measures now, you can reduce the risk of vision problems later in life.
Eye Exams
The American Optometric Association recommends comprehensive eye exams at least every two years for individuals between the ages of 18 and 39. These exams do more than just check your prescription—they help detect early signs of eye diseases like glaucoma or retinal issues before symptoms appear.
This is also a great time to establish a relationship with an eye care provider. Having a trusted eye doctor means you’ll have someone to track changes in your vision and address any concerns as they arise.
Preventive Care
Taking care of your eyes in your younger years can help you avoid serious problems later. Here’s how:
- Wear Sunglasses: Prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of cataracts and certain eye cancers. Always wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays and protect the delicate skin around them.
- Limit Screen Strain: Digital eye strain is a growing concern with today’s screen-heavy lifestyles. Try the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps reduce strain and keeps your eyes refreshed.
- Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration keeps your eyes moisturized, reducing the risk of dryness and irritation.
Vision Correction Procedures
If you’re tired of relying on glasses or contacts, now may be the perfect time to explore LASIK or other vision correction options. Your prescription stabilizes in your mid-20s to early 30s, making it an ideal time to consider permanent solutions for clear vision.
Additionally, aesthetic treatments like Botox or dermal fillers can enhance your overall look. Some eye care providers offer these services, allowing you to pair vision correction with subtle enhancements to maintain a youthful appearance.
Eye Health in Your 40s and 50s
Your 40s and 50s often bring new vision challenges, but with the right approach, you can maintain clear eyesight and comfort.
Regular Eye Exams
Once you hit your 40s, regular comprehensive eye exams become even more crucial. This is when age-related eye conditions—like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and macular degeneration—start to become more common.
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease, annual exams are essential. Many eye diseases develop silently, but early detection can prevent serious vision loss.
Vision Changes
Noticing that you need to hold your phone further away to read? That’s a normal age-related condition where the eye’s natural lens becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on close objects.
Even if you’ve had LASIK in the past, presbyopia can still develop. Reading glasses, progressive lenses, or multifocal contact lenses can help you adjust. If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, refractive lens exchange (RLE) is an option to consider.
Dry Eyes
As you age, your eyes may produce fewer tears, leading to dry eye syndrome Common symptoms include:
✔️ Burning or stinging sensation
✔️ Redness and irritation
✔️ Blurred vision that improves with blinking
Factors like increased screen time, allergies, and hormonal changes can worsen dry eye symptoms. If over-the-counter drops don’t help, your eye doctor can recommend prescription treatments or in-office procedures to improve tear production.
Prevention and Wellness
Your diet can play a significant role in eye health. Incorporate leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids, and lean proteins² into your meals to support healthy vision.
If you want to enhance your self-care routine, consider anti-aging treatments like Botox or fillers. These can help minimize fine lines and wrinkles, keeping your eyes looking youthful and refreshed.
Eye Health in Your 60s and Beyond
As you enter your 60s and beyond, prioritizing eye health becomes more important than ever. With age, the risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, and other vision changes increases.
Cataracts
Cataracts are one of the most common age-related vision problems. They occur when proteins in the eye’s lens break down, leading to cloudy vision, increased glare, and difficulty seeing in low light.
The good news? Cataract surgery is highly effective and covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare. If you’re struggling with vision due to cataracts, talk to your eye doctor about treatment options
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration affects the central part of the retina, leading to blurry or distorted vision. Risk factors include:
✅ Age (50+ years)
✅ Family history of macular degeneration
✅ Smoking and poor diet
Your doctor may recommend dietary supplements rich in lutein and zeaxanthin to help slow the progression of macular degeneration. If you’re at risk, routine eye exams are key to early detection and management
Other Physical Changes
Did you know that the skin around your eyes can impact your vision? As you age, the skin loses elasticity, leading to drooping eyelids that may obstruct your vision.
Solutions include:
✔️ Blepharoplasty – A minor surgical procedure to remove excess skin, restoring a full field of vision.
✔️ Botox Brow Lift – A non-surgical option that provides a subtle lift to the brows and upper eyelids.
If you’re experiencing changes that affect your eyesight, don’t ignore them—your eye doctor can recommend the best solution to help you see clearly and feel confident.
Take Charge of Your Eye Health Today
Caring for your eyes at every stage of life ensures clear, healthy vision for years to come.
If you’re due for a comprehensive eye exam or experiencing vision changes, the team at Southwest Eye Institute is here to help. We provide world-class eye care in El Paso, Texas, and Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive eye exam and give your eyes the love they deserve!
Citations
- Lighthizer, N. (2021). “The Missing Emmetrop: A Look at Preventive Eye Care.” Modern Optometry. ModernOD.com
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Fabulous Foods for Healthy Eyes.” AAO.org
