When you’re young you don’t think about vision loss… but then you pass the age of 40, and suddenly people around you are telling you about their vision problems and you’re wondering, “What about me?”
Many adults over the age of 40 have trouble seeing clearly at close distances, typically when reading or working on a computer. As we age, we most likely have a change in our ability to focus. This is called presbyopia and it progresses over time. Common age-related vision changes involve the need for more light in order to see as well as you used to, as well as problems with glare, reduced tear production (dry eyes), and changes in color perception making it harder to distinguish between certain color shades.
No one wants to experience vision loss, right? So what are some tips for preventing vision loss naturally?
Do what you can to manage your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol.
Eat “right” to protect your sight! Instead of consuming junk food, sugary sweets and fried foods as mainstays of your “diet,” you should make some changes. Add more fruits and vegetables to your daily intake. Dark leafy greens are so good for you. Eat more spinach, kale or collard greens. Add blueberries to your breakfast routine. And eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna and halibut.
When you “eat right” and exercise regularly, you’ll be able to maintain a healthy weight. Ideally, you want to avoid being overweight or obese because that can lead to diabetes which can lead to vision loss.
When playing sports or doing activities around the home or yard, wear protective eyewear. Safety shields and goggles, for instance, will help protect your eyes from damage. Also, when you’re outside, it’s a good idea to wear sunglasses, since they’ll protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
If you spend a lot of time looking at a handheld device (such as a tablet or phone), or you stare at a computer screen for hours on end, please take some breaks to give your eyes a rest!
Finally, if you smoke, quit. Smoking does not help your eyesight! It can increase your risk of getting age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and optic nerve damage– yikes!
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