Canon 350D question...

I own a 350D (as well as a 400D, 700D and 7D).

Interestingly, I am also in my 40's, and wear prescription glasses  to correct near-sightedness (i.e. I'm short-sighted). I have worn prescription glasses since I was 4 years old.

The 350D's screen is definitely the most unclear for me to see of all my DSLRs. It is 1.8" and only 115k resolution. This affects both menu usage and image review. Even my 400D's screen is notably better (2.5" and 230k resolution).

However there is a big step up with my 7D (3" / 940k) and 700D (3" / 1040k).The screens on these later DSLRs also appears to be able to go brighter (not just higher resolution).

So when I compare my 350D to my 7D or 700D, there is a huge difference in clarity. Having said that, it does not mean I find my 350D to be unusable.  I still use my screen for both image review and menu use. It's just not as clear or easy to see.

It is not possible to check for focus accuracy with the 350D by reviewing the photo in screen (the 400D is also limited, but not quite as limited in this regard). I recall reading that the 350D (and I think 400D also) do not access the full image file, but just a limited thumbnail. In any case, focus accuracy review is truly best on a proper computer monitor. However, at times I can use the 7D and 700D allow me to check, with a reasonable degree of accuracy.

If you find the 350D's screen limiting, and your eyesight is as corrected by prescription glasses as is practical at this stage, I would recommend going to a newer DSLR body with a larger and higher resolution monitor. Wiki has a good summary Canon EOS comparison table, where you can review

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Canon_EOS_digital_cameras

I hope my input is helpful.  Best regards

Paul