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Eyesight and Aging 

Here are 5 simple steps to protect your eyesight as you age:

Some people may still need reading glasses, however these measures can perhaps help eliminate major problems.

Maybe your eyesight is cloudy. Maybe the center of your view is blurred. Maybe you just cannot see as well as when you were younger.

Of course, some changes in vision are normal as we age. Most people in their mid-40s and older need to use glasses or contact lenses. One big reason is at middle age, the lenses in our eyes become less flexible and limit our ability to read and see objects up close.

Because of that, it is also all too common for older adults to write off eye changes as normal and that is not always the case.

There are also eye diseases mainly found in older people that cause vision loss, including cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Upwards of 37 million people age 40 and older have these ailments, according to the National Eye Institute.

And not only does a loss of sight curb independence and quality of life, but it can even contribute to cognitive decline, according to a study published in JAMA Ophthalmology.

Unfortunately, there is no magic pill to ward off eye problems, but you can lower your risk.

1. Know Your Odds

A 2018 University of Michigan poll of older adults found that 89% knew they should have regular eye exams, but many postponed appointments.

And that is a problem because treatable conditions such as glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve, and age-related macular degeneration, which create blind spots in your vision, do not necessarily have warning signs. However, they can be pinpointed early with an exam.

Starting at age 40, you should have a comprehensive eye exam every 1 to 4 years, depending on your age range and risk factors for various conditions.

If you have diabetes, for example, you are also at risk for diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, and a major cause of blindness.

You family history, too, increases your risk for eye diseases, as does your race. Latinos and African-Americans are much more likely to acquire glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Caucasians are a greater risk for age-related macular degeneration.



When it comes to cataracts, we are all at risk. More than half of adults develop the condition by the time they are age 80. Cataracts, which cloud your vision and are the top cause of blindness worldwide, can be corrected with surgery, but they are not preventable.

"If you are graced with a long life, everyone is susceptible to cataracts," says Sidney Gicheru, M.D., a Dallas-based ophthalmologist and spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

2. Get Regular Exams

Some health insurers will cover an annual eye exam, especially if you are at risk of developing problems. So if glaucoma is in your family history, inform your care provider.

In general, Medicare Part B does not cover annual eye exams for glasses or contact lenses. It does cover tests for glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, as well as diabetic retinopathy if you have diabetes. If you have no coverage, you may still qualify for a free eye exam through an organization such as EyeCare America.

3. Develop Good Eye Health Habits

Just about any measure that inproves your overall health will aid your vision, too.

So bring on the leafy grees and citrus fruits, especially salmon and tuna. "We also know that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids tend to be good for eye health," says Dr. Gicheru.

And get moving. In 2017, UCLA scientists found that "moderate to vigorous physical activity" is linked to significantly reduced chances of glaucoma.

Now, the things to eliminate. There is almost no need to pile on the dire warnings about cigarettes, but the fact remains that smoking is linked to a higher risk of cataracts, as well as age-related macular degeneration, which strikes twice as many smokers as nonsmokers.

And people who drink alcohol excessively are likelier to develop certain vision issues.

4. Wear Sunglasses Year-Round

"We think that exposure to sunlight may contribute somewhat to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration," says Dr. Gicheru.

Choose sunglasses that safeguard your eyes from both UV-A (long wave) and UV-B (short wave) rays, and make sure to wear them year-round, since glare is just as hazardous in the winter as it is during the summer.

5. Stop Screen Staring 

While heavy computer use is not linked to permanent eye damage, in the short term, hours of screen time can result in short-term eyestrain and loss of focus.

To keep your vision crisp, experts recommend the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, focus on something besides your device for 20 seconds, 20 feet into the distance.