Aging and Eye Health – A Personal Perspective

Hey there! I’m Bob Pino, owner of An Optical Galleria and an optician with decades of experience helping people care for their eyes. Over the years, I’ve had countless conversations with patients about how our vision changes as we get older. Today, I’d like to talk to you one-on-one about aging and eye health – what to expect, how to protect your vision, and why a little proactive care (and quality eyewear) can make all the difference.

My goal is to provide information you can trust, just as if you were sitting across from me in my eyesore practice(s). So let’s dive in.

How Our Vision Changes as We Age

As we get older, our vision will change – sometimes in subtle ways, sometimes in more noticeable ones. Don’t worry, many of these changes are normal and manageable. Here are some common age-related vision changes I frequently see in my patients (and even in myself!):

• Presbyopia (Difficulty Focusing Up Close): This is the classic “my arms aren’t long enough to read the menu” problem that typically hits around age 40–45. The lens inside your eye becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on close objects. If small print has started to blur unless you hold it farther away, welcome to the presbyopia club! The good news is it’s easily corrected – many folks get reading glasses, bifocals, or progressive lenses, and they’re back to enjoying their books and phone screens without trouble. Yearly eye exams are essential and we can fix this!
  
• Dry Eyes (Reduced Tear Production): Our eyes tend to produce fewer tears with age. Tears aren’t just for crying – they actually keep your eyes moist and clear. When you don’t have enough, your eyes can feel dry, irritated, or scratchy. If you’ve noticed more dryness lately, age could be a factor (and we have ways to soothe those eyes).
  
  
• Needing More Light: I often hear patients say, “I need brighter light to read now.” This makes sense – aging eyes usually require more light to see details. You might keep a trusty lamp by your favorite reading chair or turn up the brightness on your phone. That’s a smart adjustment and very common as the years go by.
  
  
• Increased Glare Sensitivity: Do oncoming headlights or bright sunshine bother you more than they used to? As we age, our eyes can become more sensitive to glare. I’ve had patients tell me night driving is tougher because of the glare from streetlights and headlights. A simple fix I often recommend is polarized lenses for your glasses or sunglasses – they work wonders to cut down that annoying glare and make your vision more comfortable. Hook Optics Polarized sunglasses offer a variety of lenses and some great solutions.

The silver lining: All these changes are typically manageable. In my practice, I make sure folks get the right lenses or treatments to address these inconveniences. For example, a pair of quality prescription glasses with anti-reflective coating can brighten those dull colors and reduce glare. Hydrating eye drops or omega-3 supplements can help with tear production. And of course, a proper reading prescription brings close-up text back into focus. The key is recognizing these changes and dealing with them head-on – you don’t have to “just live with it” if your vision isn’t as clear as it could be.

Serious Age-Related Eye Conditions to Watch For

While many vision changes are harmless adjustments, age also brings a higher risk of certain serious eye conditions. These aren’t as common as the annoyances above, but it’s important to be aware of them. In my years of practice, I’ve learned that catching these issues early can be sight-saving. Some age-related eye diseases I always watch out for include:

• Cataracts: A clouding of the eye’s lens, which can make your vision foggy or blurry (like looking through a dirty window). Cataracts are extremely common – in fact, just about everyone will develop them if we live long enough. The upside is that cataract surgery is one of the most successful surgeries performed today. I’ve guided many patients through it, and seeing them enjoy bright, clear vision again is truly rewarding.
  
  
• Glaucoma: This is often related to high pressure inside the eye and can quietly damage your optic nerve. They call glaucoma the “silent thief of sight” because you usually don’t notice anything wrong until vision loss has begun. Regular eye exams (with a simple pressure check and optic nerve look) are your best defense here – it’s something I never skip checking, especially for older patients.
  
  
• Macular Degeneration (AMD): This condition affects the macula, the central part of your retina that gives you sharp straight-ahead vision. Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 60. If you’ve had an older family member who started having trouble reading or recognizing faces, AMD might have been the culprit. There are treatments that can slow it down, especially if we catch it early, so again, regular check-ups are crucial.
  
  
• Diabetic Retinopathy: If you have diabetes, high blood sugar over the years can affect the tiny blood vessels in your retina (the back of your eye). This can cause vision changes and even blindness if untreated. Managing your diabetes and getting yearly dilated eye exams is essential – An Optometrist and Ophthalmologist can monitor many diabetic patients for any early signs of retinopathy.
  
  
• Retinal Detachment: This one is more rare, but it can happen any time especially as we age (sometimes due to the gel inside the eye shrinking and tugging on the retina). It’s an emergency – symptoms might include seeing what may look like a spider web, flashes of light, or a dark curtain in part of your vision. It’s scary, but if you ever experience these, see an Ophthalmologist or Retina Specialist immediately. Quick surgery can often save your vision.

I know that list might sound a bit daunting, but I always tell my patients not to panic – just to stay informed. The reality is that age is the number one risk factor for many of these conditions, but it doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily get them. It simply means we need to be vigilant. The fantastic news is that modern medicine has come a long way. Many treatments and surgeries (like those for cataracts or new therapies for macular degeneration) are more effective than ever. However, the absolute game-changer is early detection. Most of these serious eye issues can be managed much better if we catch them early on. This is a big reason why I emphasize those routine eye exams so much – it gives us a chance to spot problems before they impact your sight.

Taking Care of Your Eyes as You Age

Now that we’ve talked about what can happen to aging eyes, let’s focus on what you can do to keep your eyes as healthy as possible. I’ve always believed that good habits and the right eyewear can help prevent many problems. Here’s my personal advice for taking care of your eyes:

• Stay on Top of Regular Eye Exams: I can’t stress this enough – make your eye health checkups a priority, especially once you’re in your 40s and beyond. Even if your vision feels fine, an annual comprehensive eye exam can catch issues you wouldn’t notice on your own (like early glaucoma or subtle changes in your prescription). I’ve had patients who skipped exams for years and were stunned to find out they needed glasses and missed out on clear vision for many years or their prescription changed drastically. Think of it like maintenance for your eyes – just as you’d service your car or get a health checkup, your eyes deserve that same care.
  
  
• Invest in High-Quality Eyewear: Over my career, I’ve seen the difference that good glasses and lenses can make. High-quality eyewear isn’t just a luxury; it’s a smart investment in your vision. A well-made pair of eyeglasses, tailored to your exact prescription, can provide sharper vision and greater comfort than cheap over-the-counter readers or bargain lenses. Quality lenses often come with advanced coatings that reduce glare, resist scratches, and block UV light – all of which help keep your eyes comfortable and protected. And let’s not forget the frames: a sturdy, well-fitted frame will keep your lenses properly positioned and last longer. If you’re using old, ill-fitting, or low-grade glasses, do your eyes a favor and upgrade to something better. You’ll likely see and feel the difference immediately (and thank yourself later).
  
  
• Wear UV-Blocking Sunglasses (Year-Round): Your skin isn’t the only thing that needs protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays – your eyes need it too, every single day. Many people think of sunglasses only in summer or on bright beach days, but UV light can harm your eyes even on cloudy days and in winter. (In fact, did you know snow on the ground can reflect a ton of UV into your eyes? It’s true!) I never step outside without my sunglasses, and I encourage all my patients to do the same. Look for shades that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. This is so important to me that my family and we even developed our own line of high-performance sunglasses – Hook Optics – designed to provide top-tier UV protection and crisp vision for folks who love the outdoors. Whether you choose Hook Optics or another quality brand, just make sure your eyes are covered. A good pair of sunglasses will help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration, reduce glare, and frankly, make being outdoors more comfortable for you.
  
  
• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: It might surprise you how much your overall health affects your eye health. What’s good for your body tends to be good for your eyes, too. Regular exercise keeps the blood flowing (including the blood flow to your eyes), and a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, colorful fruits, and Omega-3s provides nutrients your eyes need to function at their best. For example, foods high in vitamins C and E, lutein, and zinc have been linked to lower risk of age-related eye diseases. And if you smoke, do your best to quit – smoking increases the risk of almost every eye disease (not to mention it’s just bad news for your health in general). I’ve seen patients make positive lifestyle changes and actually improve their eye comfort and slow down disease progression. It really does help.
  
  
• Give Your Eyes a Break (Screen Time Tips): These days, we’re all spending a lot of time on computers, tablets, and smartphones. I see many adults (myself included) getting more screen time than we probably should. All that staring can tire out your eyes, especially as you get older and your lenses become less flexible. One handy trick I recommend is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something about 20 feet away. It’s a simple habit, but it works wonders to reduce digital eye strain. Blink often to keep your eyes moist, and consider using moisturizing eye drops if your eyes feel dry after long screen sessions. If you do a ton of computer work, we can also talk about specialized computer glasses or blue-light filtering lenses – anything to keep those eyes feeling fresh.
  
  
• Use Adequate Lighting and Adjust Contrast: Since older eyes need more light, make sure your living and working spaces are well-lit. Go ahead and turn up that reading lamp or increase the font size on your devices – there’s no reason to struggle with dim light or tiny print. In my store, I’ve put brighter bulbs in our exam rooms and it makes a difference for both me and my patients when we’re looking at fine details. Little changes like these at home can prevent unnecessary eye strain.

Don’t Skip on Professional Care

I’ve hinted at this throughout, but it deserves its own spotlight: please don’t skip your professional eye care. After all my years in the field, one thing I know for sure is that consistent care is the secret to preserving healthy vision. If it’s been more than a year since your last eye exam, consider this a gentle nudge from your optician friend Bob. I truly love seeing my patients (long-time and new) and making sure everything is on track with their eyes.

During an exam, we’ll check your vision and update any prescriptions, but we’ll also examine the health of your eyes inside and out. This is how we catch issues like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts early. Early detection can save your sight – I’ve seen it happen time and again. It’s always easier to manage a problem when we find it at the start, rather than after it’s done damage.

Remember: caring for your eyes is a lifelong journey. Even if you’ve never had vision problems in your younger years, things can change as you get older, so having a trusted eye care professional is key. I take pride in being that person for many families – some of whom I’ve seen for decades! There’s nothing more rewarding than helping someone maintain clear vision from their youth through their golden years.

In Closing

Aging is a natural part of life, and with it comes changes in our eyes. But with awareness and a few smart habits, you can navigate those changes and keep seeing the world clearly and comfortably. From my perspective after 40+ years in the optical industry, the best recipe for healthy eyes at any age is: regular eye exams, high-quality eyewear, quality sunglasses, and a healthy lifestyle. It’s a formula I follow for myself and my own family, and I encourage you to do the same.

Thank you for letting me share my thoughts on aging and eye health in this conversational way. I hope you found it helpful and reassuring. If you have any questions or you’re due for a check-up, don’t hesitate to reach out or drop by – my door is always open. Here’s to keeping an “eye” on your health and enjoying clear vision throughout all stages of life!

– Bob Pino, Optician
An Optical Galleria, llc, Centreville, Ocean City and Easton & Creator of Hook Optics Sunglass Brand