Your retirement years are meant to be seen clearly, whether you’re reading to grandchildren, enjoying your favorite books, or admiring the view on a long-awaited vacation. But as we age, our eyes naturally change, and sometimes, they try to tell us something more.
Many vision changes after 60 are normal. Others could be early warning signs of more serious conditions. Knowing what to look for, and what steps to take, can help you protect your eyesight, your safety, and your independence.
Here are seven common vision changes to be aware of in retirement, what they may mean, and how to take action.
1. You’re Holding Reading Material Farther Away
What it could mean: Presbyopia, a common age-related condition where the eye’s lens loses flexibility, making it harder to focus on close-up objects.
What to do: Reading glasses or bifocals usually do the trick. Your vision insurance may help cover exams and prescription eyewear. Learn how vision insurance works for retirees.
2. Night Driving Has Become a Challenge
What it could mean: This may be an early sign of cataracts, which cause glare, halos, and difficulty seeing in low light.
What to do: Cataracts are common and treatable. Regular eye exams can track their progression and identify when treatment is needed.
3. You Notice More Floaters or Flashes
What it could mean: Most floaters are harmless, but sudden increases or flashes of light could signal retinal detachment, which requires immediate care.
What to do: If you experience a noticeable change, don’t wait. See an eye care professional right away.
4. Colors Look Faded or Less Vivid
What it could mean: The natural yellowing of the lens can dull colors. It may also signal early macular degeneration.
What to do: If you’re seeing duller blues and greens, bring it up at your next eye exam. Your provider can test for changes in color perception and central vision.
5. You Need More Light to Read or Work
What it could mean: Our pupils shrink with age, and our eyes become less efficient at adjusting to light.
What to do: Brighter task lighting and regular prescription updates can help reduce strain. Vision plans often cover annual exams to keep your glasses current.
6. Straight Lines Look Wavy or Distorted
What it could mean: This may be an early symptom of age-related macular degeneration, which affects central vision.
What to do: According to the Mayo Clinic, visual distortion and trouble recognizing faces are early signs of dry AMD. Prompt diagnosis improves treatment options.
7. Your Eyes Feel Tired or Dry All the Time
What it could mean: Dry eye syndrome becomes more common with age and can be triggered by medications, screen time, or environmental conditions.
What to do: Artificial tears or prescription treatments can help. Your vision plan may also cover visits to an eye care provider who specializes in dry eye.
Does Medicare Cover Vision Care?
This is one of the most common questions retirees ask. The short answer: not usually.
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover routine eye exams for glasses or contact lenses. It may cover services related to serious eye conditions, such as cataract surgery, glaucoma testing, or age-related macular degeneration care, but only when medically necessary.
If you’re wondering about coverage gaps, we break it down in our blog about vision insurance in retirement.
For full details, see Medicare.gov’s explanation of vision coverage or Humana’s Medicare resource.
See the Full Picture in Retirement
Your vision helps you enjoy the life you’ve worked so hard to build. Protecting it is easier and more affordable than many retirees realize.
With a vision insurance plan offered through your association and AMBA, you can get:
- Annual eye exams
- Discounts on glasses and contacts
- Access to a broad network of trusted providers
- Coverage for age-related conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration
Explore your options and compare plans built specifically for retirees like you at ambadentalvision.com/vision
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you experience changes in your vision, please consult a licensed eye care provider.