Here, we focus on three of the most common issues for over 40s. Remember that diagnostic technology is increasingly sophisticated so detecting potential concerns before they become full blown conditions is within everyone's reach – just talk to your optician about family history of eye problems, any odd symptoms you might be experiencing, and tests can be carried out quickly.

Presbyopia: The tell tale sign of middle age. If it is not showing up in your girth or your grey hair, presbyopia will let you know that mid life has arrived. It is a gradual blurring of vision that starts around the early to mid 40s and no-one escapes, as it is a natural ageing process, even for those who have never had eye problems previously. Presbyopia arises from a gradual loss of flexibility in the natural lens just behind the iris and pupil.

If you feel you have to hold menus, books, or even your mobile phone, at arm's length to read, it's probably a sign of presbyopia, you may also experience headaches, eyestrain or fatigue.

The Prescription: For some, reading glasses offer an interim and lowcost solution, especially for eyewear virgins. They are only for occasional use, so you should probably book an eye test and invest in a pair of stylish glasses. Varifocals are the most common prescription - these provide clear vision at all distances, seamlessly blending from distance to near. This is a younger looking alternative to the ageing look of bifocals.

The problem won't go away, so if you have to live with it, you might as well look good!

Cataracts: this is a slight clouding of the lens of the eye, which lies just behind the iris and pupil. The first signs are a blurring of vision, experiencing more glare than usual from oncoming headlights, or difficulties in adjusting to low or bright light.

Conditions which are said to encourage the onset of cataracts are diabetes, use of steroids or diuretics, smoking or heavy alcohol consumption.

The Prescription: at the stage of early symptoms, new prescription glasses are the answer, or perhaps use of magnifiers and reading glasses. But surgery is the more common route when cataracts have developed to the point of impairing vision that affects everyday activity. Surgery is simple and very successful.

Dry Eye following menopause: Female, over 50 and on the cusp of menopause? You are likely to have a higher incidence of developing dry eye syndrome. Menopause can cause disruption to the chemical signals that maintain the stable tear film – resulting in inflammation that can lead to decreased tear production. There is a theory that the decline in the androgen hormone could be responsible.

The Prescription: Artificial tears can lubricate the eyes, but essentially a vigilant routine of self care is advised. Daily eye bathing and hot compresses will help, use of air purifiers or humidifiers are also useful, and avoidance of any potentially aggravating irritant - dusty atmospheres, bright sunshine, over wearing of contacts. Invest in a pair of large sunglasses that wrap around the eye to prevent the tear evaporation that leads to further irritation.