Approaching 40..will my eyesight go bad right away?
By mckenziemom
@mckenziemom (522)
United States
January 31, 2007 1:42pm CST
My husband has always said that almost immediately when he turned 40 that his eyesight became so bad that he could longer read the newspaper or a book without his reading glasses. I am approaching 40 this next year and although I have never had perfect eyesight, should I expect my eyesight to diminish a great deal this next year? Those of you over 40..has your eyesight dramatically changed?
1 person likes this
6 responses
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
1 Feb 07
Mine started about 43-44 and I can't read without glasses. It part of getting older. I don't let it bother me, I am happy that I can see.
1 person likes this
@mckenziemom (522)
• United States
1 Feb 07
That is one way of looking at it!! Good attitiude!!
1 person likes this
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
31 Jan 07
My grandmother is 87 and can still read and drive w/out glasses. Her eyesight is way better than mine because I've had to wear glasses since I was 22. My dad is 60 and he doesn't wear glasses either and has better than 20/20 vision. I think it depends on each individual but I don't think you have any big cause for concern.
@mckenziemom (522)
• United States
31 Jan 07
I think I have heredity on my side here too. My parents did not need eyeglasses until their late 50's. I hope that is the case for me as well. Thanks for your response.
@mari61960 (4893)
• United States
31 Jan 07
I don't think there is a magic number for failing eyesight. I am 46, have diabetes, high blood pressue and still have 20/20 vision. As we age our eyesight can get worse but it doesn't always happen at the same age. Everybody ages differently.
Presbyopia (prez-bee-OH-pee-uh) is a slow loss of ability to see close objects or small print. It is a normal process that happens as you get older. Holding the newspaper at arm’s length is a sign of presbyopia. You might also get headaches or tired eyes when you read or do other close work. Reading glasses usually fix the problem.
@mckenziemom (522)
• United States
31 Jan 07
Your comments are very reassuring. I have a family history of high blood pressure and diabetes in my family on my father's side and this has always been something I have always very proactive about with my doctor. In the past few years, I have noticed noticed that driving at night is not comfortable for me at a vision standpoint. Therefore, I let my husband do the driving at night if we are traveling. On the other hand, I just formed a reading club with a group of girlfriends and have been reading our novels with little discomfort.
Approaching 40 and raising 4 little ones my health has become a number one priority.
At my physical this year i have so many questions for my doctor!! Thanks for your comments.
@cheetah311 (343)
• United States
31 Jan 07
My eyesight has not changed dramatically but I did start to have trouble reading. I also have worn glasses all my life because I am nearsighted.
The people I know over 40 at one point have needed reading glasses but to different degrees. Also, it wasn't all at one age, some didn't need them until their 50's.
Hope this helps.
1 person likes this
@mckenziemom (522)
• United States
31 Jan 07
You know, I think my husband has made me a little paranoid about this issue. My parents did not start wearing reading glasses until their late 50's. Perhaps that will be the case for me as well.
@mckenziemom (522)
• United States
31 Jan 07
Thanks for the tip. It has been years (7) since I have done yoga. I'm not familiar with Kapalabathi yoga do you have any more information on this type of yoga?
@mckenziemom (522)
• United States
31 Jan 07
I will consider myself very fortunate to reach my 60's without the use of eyeglasses. I guess one comfort is that for adults the stigma of wearing glasses is nothing compared to the teasing kids got during my youth. Aslo, glasses have become a fashion accessory!! Thanks for your comment.
