One of the most under-discussed yet life-altering changes is the slow fading of our sight.
It doesn’t announce itself. It creeps in.
Reading becomes harder, faces blur, and depth becomes deceptive.
Vision loss is a silent, profound shift that many of us, or our loved ones, will face sooner than we expect.
Here’s a little-known fact: by your 60s, your pupils shrink and let in less light. That’s why everything seems dimmer, and glare is more painful.
Ageing eyes don’t adapt well; the contrast becomes harder to spot, and night vision takes a hit.
Most people think of vision as “how far you can see” but it’s far more layered.
Here’s what it means:
When someone experiences visual impairment, they may lose any of these aspects and each affects daily life in different ways.
Eye-opening statistics on vision in Singapore
- Cataracts affect up to 80% of people over 60
- Glaucoma (which has no early symptoms) impacts 3% of those over 40
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes central vision loss
- Diabetic retinopathy affects 1 in 3 diabetics in Singapore
These conditions often come silently until vision is permanently damaged. Hence prevention starts with awareness.
Walking in their shoes
At the recent Vision Immersion Programme hosted by the Singapore National Eye Centre, in partnership with Singapore University of Social Sciences and SG Assist, I had the chance to experience what it’s like to live with visual impairment.
Wearing simulation goggles that mimicked various eye conditions: glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, I stepped into a world where nothing looked familiar anymore.
Simple things became difficult. I stumbled over floor edges I couldn’t judge, hesitated at steps I couldn’t see clearly, and squinted to make out shapes that used to be obvious.
My balance felt off.
My confidence, even just walking down a corridor, wavered.
And this wasn’t in a crowded mall or a poorly lit street, this was in a controlled space, for just 15 minutes.
But for someone living with visual impairment, this is every day.
That short experience shifted something in me. It made me realise that visual impairment isn’t just about the loss of sight, it’s about the courage to adapt, the quiet resilience it takes to move through a world not designed for your needs, and the deep respect we owe those navigating life with limited vision.
This wasn’t a lesson in sympathy.
It was a call to build deeper empathy to be better caregivers, designers. neighbours and allies.
Spot the early clues
As our loved ones age, it is important to notice subtle changes that could point to declining vision. If they begin having trouble reading, even with their usual glasses, it may be a sign that their central vision is affected.
Misjudging the depth of steps or struggling with curbs can indicate spatial perception or contrast sensitivity issues.
You might also observe hesitation or anxiety when navigating unfamiliar environments, which could stem from reduced peripheral vision or night blindness. Frequent blinking, eye rubbing, or complaints about glare and lighting should also prompt concern.
These signs may seem minor at first, but early detection can prevent further deterioration and help maintain independence and dignity.
Inclusive cities
Singapore is already making strides with:
- Tactile paving at MRT stations and crossings
- Audio signals at traffic lights for safer crossing
- High-contrast stair markings in malls and buildings
- Tactile and Braille signage at select bus stops
- Wayfinding apps and Bluetooth beacons are being trialed for independent navigation
These urban features turn isolation into autonomy.
Don’t assume, ask and guide
Being helpful starts with being informed.
Learn Sighted Guide Techniques, like offering your elbow and walking slightly ahead. Narrate your surroundings. Respect their pace.
At SG Assist, we’re building a care ecosystem where empathy is active, not passive.
It’s not enough to want to help — we need to know how.
Vision loss isn’t the end of independence. But it does demand a shift in how we live, design, and care.
Let’s not wait for someone to lose their sight before we open our own. We can build a society that sees clearly through compassion, design and action.
Explore more about vision care, programmes and resources with the Singapore National Eye Centre.
This article was written by Brendan Seah and originally posted on LinkedIn on April 30 , 2025.
