How to Protect Vision as You Age

Just because you are getting older, doesn't mean you're doomed to poor vision. Many people have good eyesight well into their eighties (and beyond). While some changes are inevitable, according to Chris Woolston, M.S., with a few steps you can ensure the best vision possible for your future.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. See an optometrist or ophthalmologist every 1 to 2 years under normal circumstances, or once a year if you have diabetes or a family history of eye diseases. Most serious eye diseases are easily treated if they are discovered in time.
2. Contact an ophthalmologist immediately if you experience a sudden loss of eyesight, pain in the eye, double vision, unusual fluids seeping from the eye, or extreme redness or swelling of the eye or eyelid--particularly if you have diabetes or a family history of eye diseases.
3. Wear sunglasses with ultraviolet protection and a wide-brimmed hat when you are in the sun. The suns rays can damage eye tissue and increase your risk of developing cataracts.
4. Make sure your diet includes sufficient vitamins and minerals. To maintain good eyesight, you need to take proper amounts of B vitamins; the antioxidants A, C, and E; and minerals such as selenium and zinc. Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially yellow and yellow-orange foods such as carrots and sweet potatoes, are good sources of these nutrients.

Tips & Warnings

• If your vision has declined slightly, simply adding more light to your house may bring life back to normal. For activities like reading and sewing, add lamps that are brighter than overall room lighting. Shades, blinds, and drapes can reduce indoor glare, and an anti-reflective coating on your eyeglass lenses can be helpful, too.