27/01/2026
Yes — it’s very common to need glasses after 40, and it’s considered a normal part of aging.
Why it happens
Around age 40–45, most people develop presbyopia. This occurs when the eye’s natural lens becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on close objects.
Common signs
• Needing to hold reading material farther away
• Difficulty reading small print
• Eye strain or headaches when reading
• Blurry vision up close (distance vision may still be fine)
• Needing brighter light to read
How common is it?
• Almost everyone develops presbyopia eventually
• It affects people regardless of whether they’ve had perfect vision before
• People who already wear glasses often need reading glasses or bifocals
• People who never needed glasses often start with reading glasses only
What kind of glasses people use
• Prescription Reading glasses
• Progressive lenses
• Computer glasses
What it doesn’t mean
• It’s not a sign your eyes are unhealthy
• It’s not preventable with exercises
• It’s not caused by screens, though screens can make symptoms more noticeable
When to see an Optometrist
• If near vision is blurry
• If you get headaches or eye strain
• If one eye seems worse than the other
• Even without symptoms, eye exams every 1–2 years after 40 are recommended
If you’d like help you figure out what type of glasses would fit your daily activities (reading, computer, phone, driving), or explain how presbyopia differs from other vision changes contact us https://freshvision.com.au/