Vision changes are a natural part of getting older, but not all of them should be ignored. If you’ve started squinting to read your phone, needing more light to see clearly, or noticing unusual floaters, those could be early signs of a developing eye condition—not just a matter of “getting older.”
At Mississauga Vision Centre and Brampton Vision Centre, we work with adults every day who are shocked to learn their mild symptoms are actually linked to severe, progressive eye diseases. The good news? Most of these conditions can be managed and even slowed if they’re caught early. That’s why recognizing the subtle signs matters, especially after age 40.
Why Vision Changes After 40
Most people begin to experience changes in their eyesight sometime in their 40s, even if they’ve never worn glasses before. The most common cause is presbyopia, which makes close-up vision blurrier. But age also increases your risk for serious, sight-threatening diseases like:
- Glaucoma
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Cataracts
While some of these conditions start with minimal symptoms, others can progress without warning. That's why regular eye exams matter so much for adults in midlife.
The Most Common Eye Diseases in Mississauga & Brampton
Let’s break down the key conditions our eye doctors screen for in patients over 40, along with the early signs to look out for.
Glaucoma
This condition damages the optic nerve and often goes unnoticed until vision loss begins. It’s known as the “silent thief of sight” because it typically causes no pain or vision changes in early stages.
Early signs can include:
- Peripheral vision loss
- Eye pressure or discomfort
- Halos around lights
Cataracts
Cataracts cause the eye’s lens to become cloudy, gradually dimming and blurring vision. They’re extremely common in people over 60, but can develop earlier.
Early signs can include:
- Blurry or dim vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Increased glare from lights
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. It’s one of the leading causes of vision loss in Canadians over 50.
Early signs can include:
- Distortion of straight lines (they may appear wavy)
- Difficulty recognizing faces
- Needing brighter light for close work
- A small blurry or blank spot in the center of vision
AMD doesn’t cause total blindness, but it can make tasks like reading or driving impossible without intervention.
Diabetic Retinopathy
If you have diabetes or even prediabetes, your eyes are at risk. This disease occurs when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina.
Early signs can include:
- Fluctuating vision
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Dark spots or floaters
- Trouble seeing at night
Many people don’t realize they have diabetic retinopathy until it’s advanced, making regular exams essential even if you’re not noticing changes yet.
What to Do if You Notice These Symptoms
First things first: don’t panic and don’t wait. Many of these diseases develop slowly and can be treated or managed effectively when caught early.
If you notice vision changes, book an eye exam right away, even if you’ve had a recent prescription check. Comprehensive eye exams at Mississauga Vision Centre and Brampton Vision Centre include advanced diagnostic tools that screen for diseases long before symptoms become severe.
Disease Screening and Eye Care in Mississauga & Brampton
At our clinics, we use leading diagnostic tools and retinal imaging to detect early signs of ocular disease in patients of all ages, with special attention to adults over 40.
From monitoring cataract development to co-managing diabetic eye disease, our team is here to support your long-term vision. We’ll take the time to explain every finding, walk you through the next steps, and help you make the right choices for your eye health.
Don’t Wait for Warning Signs, Book Your Eye Exam!
If it’s been more than a year since your last eye exam, or if you’ve started noticing vision changes, we’re here to help. Our experienced optometrists in Mississauga and Brampton provide thorough, personalized care tailored to your age, health history, and lifestyle.
Request your appointment at and let’s keep your eyes healthy for years to come.