Many people experience subtle differences in their vision as they reach middle age and the decades that follow. This may include:

• Trouble seeing up close: Also known as presbyopia, this condition generally starts after age 40. You may need to hold any reading material further away or magnify it.
• Difficulty distinguishing colors: It may take you longer to distinguish shades of color, such as seeing how much black coffee is left in a dark blue mug.
• Slower adjustment to light changes: As you move from dimly lit to brightly lit rooms or areas, or vice versa, it may take longer for your eyes to adjust.

Taking small steps, like changing the lighting in your home or getting vision correction, may help you start to see better again.

A number of eye conditions are more likely to develop with age. Recognizing the early signs of these may improve the chances of effective treatment.

AMD is the gradual loss of central vision. Objects may seem blurry, shapes may look distorted, or you may see a dark or empty spot at the center of your field of vision.

Cataracts, or blurry spots in your eye lens, are common as you get older. More than half of people over age 80 years in the United States have them or have had surgery to correct them.

• seeing spots
• blurred vision
• difficulty seeing at night
• a dark spot at the center of your vision

Managing your blood sugar levels may help prevent diabetic neuropathy or slow its development. If you do develop diabetic neuropathy, depending on the severity, laser surgery or eye injections are treatment options.

Many people experience dry eye, though it becomes more common as you get older. It’s known to affect women in particular as they age.

Floaters usually don’t require treatment. But if you suddenly notice a lot of new floaters or your vision becomes obstructed, it could be a sign of retinal tear or detachment, which are serious conditions that require immediate treatment.

• flashes of light
• loss of central vision
• a shadow curtain obstructing vision
• a rapid increase in floaters

Glaucoma occurs when fluid builds up in your eye and damages your optic nerve. Left untreated, glaucoma may result in vision loss. It’s the main cause of blindness in people over age 60 years.

Most people don’t experience symptoms of glaucoma until they experience vision loss. Regular screenings can help detect glaucoma and treat it and prevent blindness.

Treatment options for glaucoma include medications or surgery to decrease pressure in your eye.

People with low vision may have difficulty:

• reading street signs
• recognizing faces
• with tasks like cooking

An eye doctor will diagnose low vision. A vision specialist can recommend aids to help, like magnifying glasses.

As the years go by, you may experience changes in your eyelid health.

• red
• sore
• feel swollen

Eye drops, warm compresses, lid scrubs, and antibiotics are all possible treatments for eyelid inflammation.

Your eyelids may also start to lower or droop.

These conditions may affect your vision but are treatable with surgery. Some people with ptosis may use a prescription eye drop to raise their eyelid.