Why does eyesight get worse as we get older?

As we get older, it’s common to experience a gradual decline in eyesight, with conditions like cataracts becoming more prevalent among our peers.

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Understanding the reasons behind these changes and learning how to manage them is crucial for maintaining healthy vision throughout life.

We've consulted with several optometrists who have shared some insights into the science of age-related vision changes...

What age does our eyesight peak?

“Eyesight typically reaches an adult level of vision in a person's late teens when the eyes are fully developed, and the focusing system is most efficient,” says Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE, optometrist and clinical adviser at The College of Optometrists.

“If you need glasses for shortsightedness (myopia), this typically stabilises in the late teens to early 20s.”

What factors influence our eyesight as we age?