The Truth About Vision Changes After 40

Have you noticed that reading a book or checking your phone feels more difficult lately? Or perhaps driving at night has become a little blurrier? If you’re over 40, these changes are normal—but they don’t mean your vision is failing. 

At DLV Vision, with locations serving Ventura and Los Angeles County, we specialize in advanced vision correction surgery and treatment options to help patients enjoy clear sight at every age. Let’s separate fact from fiction about vision changes after 40. 

Why Vision Changes After 40  

Around your 40s, the natural lens inside your eyes loses flexibility, a condition called presbyopia, which makes focusing on close objects harder. Other common changes include: 

• Needing brighter light for reading or hobbies 
• More frequent prescription updates 
• Glare or halos at night 
• Increased risk of cataracts, dry eye, or other age-related conditions 

Modern treatments make managing these changes easier than ever. 

Myth #1: “Cataracts only happen when you’re old.”  

The truth: Cataracts can start forming in your 40s or 50s. Early signs include cloudy or dim vision, glare sensitivity, difficulty driving at night, and faded colors. 

DLV Vision offers advanced cataract surgery with premium lens implants in, restoring vision and reducing reliance on glasses. 

Myth #2: “Glasses are your only option.”

The truth: Glasses help, but they aren’t your only solution. Modern vision correction treatments include:

• LASIK or PRK – Corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
• Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) – Replaces your natural lens with an artificial one, addressing presbyopia and reducing future cataract risk. 
• Implantable Contact Lenses (ICLs) – Great for patients who aren’t candidates for LASIK.

These treatments can restore clear vision and minimize reliance on glasses or contacts for patients. 

Myth #3: “Needing readers means you’re going blind.”  

The truth: Presbyopia is normal after 40 and doesn’t indicate blindness. Advanced lens implants, including multifocal or accommodating lenses, can eliminate the need for multiple pairs of glasses. 

Myth #4: “There’s nothing you can do about aging eyes.” 

The truth: Today’s ophthalmology offers many options for aging eyes. Customized laser procedures, premium lenses, and minimally invasive surgeries help patients maintain clear vision.  

Patient Testimonials

As a new patient found all the tests for eyes and talking to the doctors was very enlightening. Candy was very patient and did a thorough job. Dr. Dougherty help me make a decision to put off any type of surgery at this time and recommended me and other doctor in his office for dry eye. Thank you to all.

Dr. Zhang was prompt, professional and extremely efficient. She was informative as to my condition and provided a solution to address my eye issues.

Take the Next Step

Turning 40 doesn’t mean giving up clear vision. Schedule a consultation at DLV Vision in Ventura or Los Angeles to explore advanced treatment options.