The impact age has on the body is not limited to gray hair or wrinkles. Age can also bring changes that can weaken or alter your vision. While some age-related vision problems can be inevitable, there are things you can do to help protect your eyes and vision:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Avoid high sodium intake, as this can increase risk of cataract formation. It is best to try to stay below 2,000 mg each day.
- Eat healthy fats. The omega 3 fatty-acids found in foods such as fish, walnuts and canola oil can help prevent dry eye.
- Be mindful of your weight. Obesity can lead to diabetes, which can cause diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma or cataracts.
- Stop smoking. Smoking can reduce blood flow to the eyes, allowing eyes to absorb toxins, such as tar and nicotine.
- Protect your eyes
- Schedule vision care exams. It is recommended that those over 40 receive annual eye exams. If you have a pre-existing eye condition or family history of eye diseases, your eye care provider may recommend having more frequent exams.
- Wear sunglasses year-round. Avoid overexposure to the sun’s harmful rays by wearing sunglasses that block 99-100% of UV-A and UV-B rays.
- Limit screen time. Blue light emitted from computer screens, smartphones and other digital devices can cause digital eye strain. Computer glasses or an antireflective lens can help block blue light.