Aging and certain lifestyle choices can affect your vision, especially if you're in your 50's and up. While it's normal for your eyes and vision to change, there are certain actions you can take to protect your sight.

6 Tips for 50+ Eye Health

1. Eat Well

A well-balanced diet helps maintain a healthy body including healthy eyes, and reduces your odds of developing some very serious eye diseases. Important nutrients include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, fatty acids, lutein, and zinc.

2. Quit Smoking

Smoking can significantly increase the chances of developing age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, as well as diabetic retinopathy in diabetics.

3. Exercise

Exercising for at least 20 minutes a day is great for your whole body, including your eyes, by increasing blood flow to the optic nerve and retina!

4. Protect Your Eyes

Protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays with UV-blocking sunglasses. Wearing protective eyewear can also shield your eyes from injury during sports or work activities.

5. Give Your Eyes a Rest

By implementing the 20-20-20 rule, especially during prolonged computer or smartphone use, you can give your eyes some much-needed rest. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

6. Have Regular Eye Exams

A comprehensive eye exam is crucial, as it can detect eye conditions that don't display any symptoms until vision loss has already occurred. These conditions include Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Cataracts, Glaucoma, and Diabetic Retinopathy.

Age-related vision changes can be challenging, both emotionally and physically. However, some of these can be mitigated by implementing the tips above. Schedule an eye exam with Optique Family Vision Care in Springfield to check your eye health today!