What Is Normal vs. What’s Not: Eye Health After 65

As we age, changes in vision are inevitable. But how do you know what’s a normal part of aging—and what could be a sign of something more serious? Understanding the difference is essential for maintaining quality of life and ensuring early detection of eye conditions that can lead to vision loss.

At Viewpoint Vision Care, we specialize in senior eye care, including mobile eye exams for long-term care residents, retirement communities, and aging adults at home. In this post, we break down what to expect from your eyes after 65—and when to seek professional help.

Normal Age-Related Eye Changes After 65

Aging affects every part of the body, including the eyes. Here are some common, normal changes that happen as we get older:

1. Presbyopia (Difficulty Focusing Up Close)

Starting in the 40s and becoming more noticeable with age, presbyopia is the gradual loss of your eyes' ability to focus on nearby objects. By 65, most people need reading glasses or bifocals. This is a natural part of aging and not a disease.

2. Dry Eyes

As we age, tear production often decreases. This can lead to a gritty, burning sensation in the eyes, especially in dry environments. Mild dry eye is common and can usually be managed with lubricating drops.

3. Need for More Light

Older adults often need more light to see clearly. Tasks like reading or sewing may require a brighter lamp. This is due to natural changes in the lens and pupil.

4. Reduced Contrast Sensitivity

It may become harder to distinguish between subtle shades or see in low-contrast environments. This is a normal aging change but can affect safety, particularly when driving or walking at night.

5. Slight Decrease in Peripheral Vision

A gradual narrowing of the visual field can occur. While slight, it should be monitored during routine eye exams to ensure it’s not caused by something more serious.

What’s NOT Normal: Warning Signs to Watch For

While the changes above are considered normal, some symptoms are red flags and require prompt evaluation by an eye care professional.

1. Sudden Vision Loss or Blurriness

Vision that suddenly becomes blurry, dim, or lost altogether—whether in one or both eyes—is never normal. It could signal a retinal detachment, stroke, or acute glaucoma.

2. Flashes and Floaters That Change Rapidly

Some floaters are normal, especially with age. However, a sudden increase in floaters or flashing lights could indicate a retinal tear or detachment. This is an emergency.

3. Loss of Central Vision

If you notice a blurry or dark spot in the center of your vision, this could be a sign of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)—a leading cause of blindness in seniors.

4. Eye Pain or Redness

While mild dryness or strain can cause discomfort, persistent pain, redness, or swelling can point to inflammation, infection, or increased intraocular pressure from glaucoma.

5. Double Vision

Seeing two images instead of one can result from cataracts, eye muscle problems, or more serious neurological issues.

Common Eye Diseases in Seniors (and Why They’re Not “Normal”)

Many serious eye conditions become more common after 65. These are not normal parts of aging, but they are treatable if caught early:

Cataracts

Cataracts cause the eye’s lens to become cloudy, resulting in blurry vision, faded colours, and difficulty seeing at night. They’re very common, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective procedures, often restoring full clarity.

Glaucoma

Known as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma damages the optic nerve, often with no symptoms until vision loss occurs. Regular eye exams that measure intraocular pressure are crucial.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD affects central vision, making tasks like reading and recognizing faces difficult. Early detection can slow progression with lifestyle changes and medical treatments.

Diabetic Retinopathy

For seniors with diabetes, uncontrolled blood sugar can damage the retina. Symptoms may include floaters, blurred vision, or dark spots. Annual diabetic eye exams are essential.

How Often Should Seniors Get an Eye Exam?

At Viewpoint Vision Care, we recommend that adults over 65 have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year, or more often if they have a diagnosed condition like diabetes or glaucoma. Our mobile services bring expert eye care directly to seniors in long-term care homes, retirement communities, and private residences—eliminating transportation barriers.

Tips for Preserving Eye Health After 65

While some vision changes are natural, there’s a lot you can do to protect your sight:

• Schedule regular eye exams, even if you think your vision is fine.

• Eat a nutrient-rich diet with leafy greens, fish high in omega-3s, and colorful fruits.

• Protect your eyes from UV light by wearing sunglasses outdoors.

• Quit smoking, as it significantly increases the risk of AMD and cataracts.

• Manage chronic health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.

• Stay physically active, which boosts circulation and supports eye health.

Eye Care Should Be Comfortable, Accessible, and Personalized

At Viewpoint Vision Care, we believe every senior deserves easy access to high-quality eye care—whether they live in a long-term care facility, a retirement home, or independently. Our mobile optometry services are designed with dignity, comfort, and clinical excellence in mind.

Whether you’re a caregiver, family member, or senior yourself, knowing the difference between normal aging and concerning symptoms is the first step in protecting long-term vision.