How aging can affect your eyes

If you've started holding your phone a little farther away to read a text or noticed that driving at night isn't as easy as it used to be, you're not imagining things. As we get older, our eyes naturally change—both inside and out. 

Some changes, like needing brighter light to read or noticing a few more crow's feet, are simply part of aging. Others can signal an eye condition that needs treatment. Knowing the difference can help you protect your vision for years to come. 

Here's what happens to your eyes as you age, what's considered normal, and when it's time to see an eye doctor. 

The 5 most common signs of aging around the eyes 

The skin around your eyes is the thinnest on your body. It also moves constantly—you blink thousands of times every day, smile, squint, and laugh. It's no surprise this area often shows the first visible signs of aging. 

Crow's feet 

These fine lines start as expression lines from smiling and squinting. Over time, as collagen and elastin naturally decline, they become more noticeable even when your face is at rest. 

Under-eye bags 

The tissues that support your lower eyelids gradually weaken with age. As they do, the fat beneath your eyes can shift forward, creating puffiness or bags. 

Dark circles 

Dark circles become more common as skin thins and loses volume. Blood vessels become more visible, and hollows beneath the eyes create shadows that make the area look darker. 

Hooded or drooping eyelids 

As skin loses elasticity, extra skin can begin to hang over the upper eyelids. In some cases, the eyelid itself droops (called ptosis), which can affect your vision and may require medical treatment. 

Loss of volume 

Over time, the area around your eyes naturally loses fat and collagen, creating a more hollow or tired appearance. 

Why do eyes show age first? 

Several factors make the eye area more vulnerable than the rest of your face. 

• Thin, delicate skin: The skin around your eyes has less collagen and fewer structural proteins than other areas of your face. 
• Constant movement: Blinking, smiling, and squinting put repeated stress on this delicate skin every day. 
• Sun exposure: UV rays are one of the biggest contributors to premature skin aging and can also increase the risk of cataracts and other eye diseases. 
• Fewer oil glands: The skin around your eyes doesn't retain moisture as well, making it more prone to dryness and fine lines. 

How to treat aging under the eyes 

While aging is inevitable, there are plenty of ways to improve the appearance of the skin around your eyes with daily skincare. 

Retinoids (retinol or tretinoin) 

Retinoids are among the most effective ingredients for improving fine lines by encouraging collagen production. Because the skin around your eyes is sensitive, start slowly and follow your eye doctor's or dermatologist's recommendations. 

Peptides 

Peptides help support collagen production and are often well tolerated for everyday use. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps protect skin from environmental damage while supporting collagen production. It can also brighten the appearance of dark circles. 

Hyaluronic acid

This ingredient attracts moisture to the skin, temporarily plumping fine lines and improving hydration. 

Daily sunscreen 

If you only choose one anti-aging habit, make it this one. Wearing SPF every day helps protect the delicate skin around your eyes from UV damage that contributes to wrinkles and age spots. 

Professional treatments 

If you're looking for more noticeable results, talk with a dermatologist or oculoplastic surgeon about options such as: 

• Botox® or Dysport® for crow's feet 

• Dermal fillers for under-eye hollows 

• Laser resurfacing for fine lines and skin texture 

• Radiofrequency or microneedling to stimulate collagen 

• Blepharoplasty for significant drooping eyelids or under-eye bags 

Normal age-related vision changes 

Not every vision change is a sign of disease. These are some of the most common—and completely normal—changes people experience as they get older. 

Dry eyes 

As you age, your eyes produce fewer tears and the tear film becomes less stable. Dry eyes are especially common after menopause. 

Symptoms include: 

• burning 

• stinging 

• grittiness 

• redness 

• blurry vision that improves after blinking 

Artificial tears or preservative-free lubricating eye drops often provide relief. 

 

More difficulty driving at night 

Many adults notice night driving becomes more challenging over time. Smaller pupils, slower adjustment to darkness, and early cataracts can all increase glare from headlights and reduce visibility. 

Anti-reflective coatings on glasses may help improve comfort while driving. 

Slower adjustment between light and dark 

Walking into a dim restaurant after being outside on a sunny day may take a little longer to adjust than it once did. This is a normal part of aging. 

Floaters 

Floaters are tiny specks or strands that drift across your vision as the gel inside your eye naturally changes with age. 

Most floaters are harmless. However, if you suddenly notice a large increase in floaters, flashes of light, or what looks like a curtain blocking part of your vision, contact an eye doctor immediately. These symptoms can signal a retinal tear or retinal detachment. 

Reduced contrast and color perception 

As the eye's natural lens ages, it gradually becomes less clear and slightly more yellow. Colors may seem less vibrant, and it can become harder to distinguish between similar shades or see in low-contrast environments. 

Age-related eye conditions that can threaten your vision 

Unlike normal aging changes, these conditions require monitoring and treatment. Many have few or no symptoms in their early stages, making regular eye exams especially important. 

Cataracts 

A cataract occurs when the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy. Symptoms include blurry vision, glare, faded colors, and difficulty seeing at night. 

The good news? Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common procedures performed today and often restores excellent vision. 

Glaucoma 

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, often because of increased eye pressure. Early glaucoma usually has no noticeable symptoms, but untreated disease can permanently reduce peripheral vision. 

Regular eye exams are the best way to catch glaucoma early. 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) 

AMD affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. It can make reading, recognizing faces, and seeing fine details more difficult. 

One early warning sign is that straight lines begin to appear wavy or distorted. 

Although AMD can't be cured, early treatment can often slow progression and help preserve vision. 

Diabetic retinopathy 

People with diabetes are at increased risk of damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina. Because symptoms often don't appear until damage has occurred, yearly dilated eye exams are essential for anyone with diabetes. 

At what age does vision start to change? 

Many people first notice age-related vision changes in their 40s. Reading small print may become more difficult, your eyes may feel drier, and you might need more light for close-up tasks. 

These changes usually continue gradually through your 50s, 60s, and beyond, although everyone's eyes age differently. 

Can you improve your eyesight as you get older? 

Some age-related vision changes are easily corrected, while others can be managed to help preserve your sight. 

You can often improve vision by: 

• Updating your glasses or contact lens prescription 

• Treating dry eye 

• Having cataracts removed when appropriate 

• Managing glaucoma or AMD early to slow vision loss 

Healthy habits also make a difference. Wearing UV-protective sunglasses, eating a diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids, avoiding smoking, and managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure all support long-term eye health. 

How to keep your eyesight healthy as you age 

Simple daily habits can go a long way toward protecting your vision. 

• Schedule comprehensive eye exams every one to two years, or as often as your eye doctor recommends. 

• Wear sunglasses with UV protection whenever you're outdoors. 

• Eat plenty of leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, eggs, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. 

• Don't smoke. 

• Keep diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control. 

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule when using digital devices: Every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. 

Wearing contact lenses as you get older 

Getting older doesn't mean you have to give up contact lenses. Many people continue wearing contacts comfortably well into their 60s and beyond. 

If your eyes have become drier with age, your eye doctor may recommend daily disposable lenses, lenses designed for dry eyes, or lubricating drops made specifically for contact lens wearers. Updating your prescription can also improve both comfort and vision. 

Warning signs that need immediate attention 

Most age-related vision changes happen gradually. Sudden changes are different. 

Contact an eye doctor right away if you experience: 

• a sudden increase in floaters 

• flashes of light 

• a curtain or shadow across your vision 

• sudden vision loss 

• straight lines that suddenly appear wavy 

• severe eye pain 

• significant redness with light sensitivity 

• sudden double vision 

Frequently asked questions 

What are the most common signs of aging around the eyes? 

The most common changes include crow's feet, under-eye bags, dark circles, hooded eyelids, and loss of volume around the eyes. 

Is it normal for eyesight to get worse with age? 

Yes. Most people experience some vision changes as they get older, including difficulty focusing up close, dry eyes, reduced night vision, and slower adjustment to changing light. Regular eye exams help ensure these changes are normal and not caused by an eye disease. 

Can you reverse aging under the eyes? 

You can't completely stop the aging process, but skincare, professional treatments, healthy lifestyle habits, and sun protection can noticeably improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and under-eye bags. 

How do you rebuild collagen under the eyes? 

Retinoids have the strongest evidence for improving collagen production over time. Peptides, vitamin C, laser resurfacing, microneedling, and radiofrequency treatments can also help stimulate collagen. 

What eye conditions can lead to vision loss? 

Glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and advanced cataracts can all affect vision. Regular comprehensive eye exams are the best way to detect these conditions early. 

How often should older adults get an eye exam? 

Most adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years. Your eye doctor may recommend more frequent exams if you have diabetes, glaucoma, a family history of eye disease, or other risk factors. 

Need new contacts? 

Keeping your contact lens prescription up to date helps you see your best at every age. With 1-800 Contacts, you can order your contacts online in just a few clicks and have them delivered right to your door. Need to renew your prescription first? Our online vision exam takes about 10 minutes from home, making it easy to stay on top of your eye care without an extra trip to the doctor's office. 

Original publish date: 4/15/2021

Updated date: 6/26/2026