Have you been wondering why people’s eyesight deteriorate before they hit 40 years or from 40 years?
In fact, most persons in their late 30s are suddenly noticing that they need to move their phones further far from your face to see the texts on the screen better.
You squint at your phone, adjust the lighting, and wonder—when did small text get so small? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Around the age of 40, many people begin to notice subtle (or not-so-subtle) changes in their vision.
What’s going on? Is it just “getting older,” or is there something more behind this blurry mystery?
In this article, we’ll explore why eyesight begins to change in your 40s, what’s happening inside your eyes, and how you can support your vision as you age.
Eyesight often starts to deteriorate around age 40 due to natural aging of the eyes, especially a condition called presbyopia (1) (2).
Here’s a clear breakdown of why this happens.
👁️ Main Reasons Why Eyesight Changes After 40
1. Presbyopia (Age-related Near Vision Loss)
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The lens inside your eye becomes less flexible.
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This makes it harder to focus on close-up tasks, like reading or using your phone.
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It’s why many people start using reading glasses around this age.
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If you have been avoiding going to see the ophthalmologist or optician because you don’t want glasses, you are not alone. I once felt that way too. But if you have anything to do with screens, the earlier you visit one the better.
We have an article on how phones affect your eyes and you should read it.
2. Weaker Eye Muscles
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The muscles that help your eyes adjust focus get weaker, making it harder to shift between near and far vision quickly.
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3. Dry Eyes
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Tear production slows down with age, leading to dryness, irritation, and blurry vision.
4. Lens Thickening and Yellowing
The eye’s natural lens may slowly become thicker and slightly yellow, which can affect how well you see contrast and color.
5. Risk of Eye Diseases Increases
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After 40, the chances of developing glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration begin to rise.
✅ What You Can Do
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Get regular eye check-ups (at least every 1–2 years).
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Eat eye-healthy foods (rich in Vitamin A, C, E, and Omega-3s). Some food items rich in these nutrients and minerals are orange, carrot, flaxseeds, ugwu, almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts and peanuts are rich in vitamin E.
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Wear proper glasses or contact lenses if needed.
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Protect your eyes from UV rays with sunglasses.
Remember, a good eyesight is a window to the world — protect it, and you protect the way you see life.