Around age 40, most adults notice the need to hold a phone or book a little farther away to read.

Vision changes, which happen to almost everyone during midlife, may feel like another sign of aging, but the good news is that there are more options than ever to keep eyes healthy and sight sharp.

Dr. Erica Lukasko, an optometrist who treats patients daily at her practice in Lafayette, is also experiencing these same changes herself.

“Now that I’m well into my 40s,” Lukasko said, “I’m not just speaking from knowledge — I’m speaking from experience. I get to try the treatments on myself and recommend what truly works.”

Vision changes after 40

The most common change is presbyopia, which occurs when the lens in the eye loses flexibility, making it harder to focus on objects up close. That’s when reading glasses — or progressive lenses, if switching between different distances is needed — come into play.

Over-the-counter readers may work for some people, but Lukasko warns they aren’t always the best solution.

“They don’t account for differences between your eyes, and if you’re not looking through the optical center of the lens, they can actually create eye strain,” Lukasko said. 

Progressive lenses, or no-line bifocals, are a good choice for those who frequently switch between near and far tasks, and there are even office versions designed specifically for heavy screen time.

Contact lenses are also an option — even if correction is only needed up close. Multifocal contacts or monovision, where one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near vision, can provide freedom from glasses.

In addition, prescription drops, including Qlosi and Vuity, are now available that can improve near vision for several hours a day.

Dry eyes in a humid climate

Even in the humidity of south Louisiana, dry eyes are common — especially in midlife. Factors like ceiling fans, air conditioning and allergy medications can all contribute.

Symptoms include scratchiness, burning, redness, watering or blurry vision. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to manage this condition:

• Fish oil (Omega-3s): About 2,000 mg a day helps improve the oily layer of tears, preventing them from evaporating too quickly.
• Warm compresses: Applying a warm compress for 10 minutes daily keeps eyelid glands functioning properly.
• Artificial tears: Choose preservative-free drops and skip formulas that claim to “get the red out.”
• Prescription drops: For stubborn cases, stronger treatments are available through an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Simple daily steps make a difference in long-term eye health:

• Eat dark leafy greens, rich in antioxidants like lutein.
• Wear sunglasses — UV rays damage eyes just like they damage skin.
• Avoid smoking, which raises the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
• Follow the 20/20/20 rule for screen breaks: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Use adequate lighting.
• Get enough sleep — rest is vital for healthy eyes.

Eye exams matter

After 40, a comprehensive eye exam once a year is key — even when vision seems fine.

“We can catch problems like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration early,” Lukasko said. “We can also detect signs of systemic issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid disease — sometimes before other symptoms appear.”

Certain symptoms call for immediate attention. Flashes of light, new floaters, or a “curtain” or shadow in vision can signal retinal problems. Sudden vision loss or eye pain also requires urgent care.

Eyes will change with age, but that doesn’t mean living with poor vision or constant discomfort.

“I never want someone leaving their exam feeling like their vision is just falling apart,” Lukasko said. “I want them to leave educated and excited about their plan of action.”