Mid-life Aussies report loss of vision: Local experts outline the symptoms

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A NATIONAL survey from Specsavers has revealed that many Australians aged 35 to 50 are struggling with blurry or unclear vision during everyday tasks — yet the vast majority remain unaware of a likely cause: a common age-related condition called presbyopia.

Despite more than half of respondents reporting difficulty seeing clearly when reading in low light (59%), using their phone or computer (51%), as well as reading in general (42%), an overwhelming 72% said they had never heard of presbyopia.

Presbyopia occurs as the eye’s lens gradually changes with age, typically from around 40 years old, making it more difficult to focus on near objects.

“We ask a lot from our eyes and presbyopia is a normal process that occurs over time, but it often flies under the radar because people could be adopting short-term workarounds that mask the issue,” says Parramatta Specsavers Optometrist Jenny Tam.

Everyday workarounds hiding a bigger issue

The survey revealed a range of common coping strategies Australians use to get by with declining close-up vision, including:

• Resizing screen text (43%).
• Using a phone torch to see more clearly (40%).
• Holding reading material at arm’s length (39%).
• Asking someone else to read small print (25%).
• Choosing the set menu at a restaurant to avoid reading small fonts (25%).
• Borrowing someone else’s glasses (15%).

While these tactics might seem harmless, Jenny warns they often delay proper diagnosis and treatment.

“The Specsavers survey reveals that untreated presbyopia can cause avoidable daily frustrations — from misreading a weather forecast and dressing inappropriately (reported by 13% of respondents), to botching a recipe due to misread measurements (17%), or even ruining clothes by failing to read the washing instructions properly (12%). But more seriously, it can increase the risk of dangerous situations — such as taking the wrong medication (9%) or making mistakes behind the wheel (38%).”

Things can get serious when people who may be living with an undiagnosed vision issue get behind the wheel with the research highlighting driving, especially at night, identified as a real challenge.

Driving in the dark: a growing risk

Nearly half (43%) of those surveyed said their driving confidence has declined compared to their 20s or 30s, and night-time driving is a particular concern:

• 48% find it harder to read road signs at night.
• 57% report seeing more glare or halos.
• 51% have avoided a nighttime drive.
• 57% say they have felt unsafe driving at night due to vision concerns — either their own or their driver’s.

Alarmingly, this loss of clarity and confidence is leading to real-world consequences:

• 8% report having had a road accident linked to night-time vision issues.
• 15% say they’ve had a near miss.
• 38% admit to erratic driving behaviour during night-time trips (e.g. sudden braking, unsanctioned U-turns and confusing indicating).

In response to vision challenges while driving, many have developed unconscious habits, including:

• Leaning forward to “see better” (41%).
• Squinting at street signs (29%).
• Tightly gripping the steering wheel (21%).

The eye test gap

Despite the warning signs, almost 40% of those surveyed say they haven’t had an eye test in many years — and in some cases, never. Optometrists recommend eye tests at least every two years from 18 onwards or sooner if any changes in vision are noticed.

About the research

*YouGov, Presbyopia – AU, prepared for Specsavers, 16 May 2025. The study was conducted between 8-13 May 2025, conducted online and comprised of a nationally representative sample of over 1,033 Australians aged 35-50.

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