Life after 40 often comes with new experiences—and sometimes, new challenges with your vision. Even if you’ve never needed glasses before, it’s normal to notice changes in how your eyes focus, adjust to light, or feel during the day. The good news? Most of these changes are manageable with regular eye care and today’s advanced treatments.
At Pacific Eye Institute, we’ve been here for Inland Empire residents to protect and restore their vision for decades. Here are the top five eye changes you might notice after 40—and what you can do about them.
1. Reading Up Close Gets Harder
Do you find yourself holding menus or your phone farther away to read clearly? That’s presbyopia, a natural change that affects nearly everyone after 40. It happens because the lens in your eye gradually becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on near objects.
Many people start with reading glasses, but today, you have more choices than ever. Bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contacts, and even surgical solutions like advanced intraocular lenses can help restore clear near vision. At Pacific Eye Institute, we work with Inland Empire patients to find an option that fits their lifestyle, whether that’s reading comfortably, working on a computer, or enjoying hobbies without constantly swapping glasses. Read more.
2. Cataracts Start to Appear
Cataracts are another common vision change after 40. This clouding of your eye’s natural lens can cause blurry vision, duller colors, increased glare, and trouble driving at night. In the early stages, stronger glasses may help, but eventually, cataracts can interfere with daily activities.
Fortunately, cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective procedures available. During surgery, the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens, often improving vision dramatically. Patients in the Inland Empire also have access to advanced lens options, such as multifocal or toric lenses, which may reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses after surgery.
3. Dry Eyes Become More Common
The Inland Empire’s warm, dry climate can make dry eye syndrome even more noticeable after 40. Symptoms often include stinging, burning, watering, redness, or a gritty sensation in the eyes. Sometimes, vision may fluctuate as well.
Dry eye isn’t just uncomfortable—it can also affect your vision quality and eye health if left untreated. Our specialists offer a wide range of solutions, from prescription drops to in-office treatments that restore the balance of your tear film. Taking care of dry eye early can help you stay comfortable whether you’re working, driving, or enjoying the outdoors.
4. The Risk of Glaucoma Increases
Known as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma slowly damages the optic nerve and can cause irreversible vision loss if not detected early. After 40, your risk begins to rise, especially if you have a family history of the condition, high eye pressure, or other health issues like diabetes.
Because glaucoma often shows no early symptoms, the only way to catch it is through a comprehensive eye exam. At Pacific Eye Institute, we use advanced diagnostic technology to detect glaucoma in its earliest stages and provide treatment options to preserve your vision for years to come.
5. Night Driving Gets Tougher
Many Inland Empire residents notice that driving at night becomes more challenging after 40. Headlights may cause glare or halos, and dimly lit roads may feel harder to navigate. These changes can be linked to early cataracts, retinal changes, or even dry eye.
If you’re struggling with night driving, don’t ignore it. An eye exam can uncover the cause, and in many cases, treatment can improve both safety and confidence on the road.
Don’t Put Off Your Eye Health
If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms, now is the perfect time to schedule your eye exam. Many Inland Empire patients don’t realize they can use their Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) dollars toward eye care—including eye exams, dry eye treatments, and even surgery. Starting as early as September, it’s smart to plan ahead so you can make the most of your benefits before they expire at the end of the year.
Conclusion
Your 40s mark the beginning of a new chapter—not just in life, but in your vision as well. While changes like presbyopia, cataracts, and dry eye may be common, they don’t have to stand in the way of living fully. With today’s advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options, you can continue to enjoy clear, comfortable sight well into the future.
At Pacific Eye Institute, we’re proud to serve the Inland Empire with compassionate care and state-of-the-art treatments designed to protect and improve your vision at every stage of life. Whether you need relief from dry eyes, early cataract care, or a comprehensive exam to check for glaucoma, our team is here to help.
If you experience any symptoms mentioned, call Pacific Eye Institute today (800) 345-8979 to book your eye exam at one of our convenient Inland Empire locations. If you’ve noticed changes in your vision, now is the time to take action and protect your eyesight for the years ahead.
