Sometimes we take things for granted until they are gone. If you were blessed with good eyesight when you were young, it may be disconcerting as you grow older to realize that reading or working on the computer has become more challenging. While it is true that age causes changes to our eyes that are out of our control, there are steps you can take to delay or minimize the consequences.
Eye health isn’t discussed often, and we are more likely to see a dentist on a regular basis than an optometrist. It is important to get checked by an expert periodically to ensure that your eyes are working well and that there are no underlying problems that could become serious.
Action – Between the ages of 40 and 60, the ability to focus, or presbyopia, can become noticeable. This can cause a decline in the ability to see things at close distances. It is most noticeable in dim lighting, and you may find yourself holding a book or menu further away or tilting your head up and looking down your nose to see better. If you already wear contacts or prescription glasses, you may need to switch to bi- or multifocal lenses.
Presbyopia occurs because the lens of the eye becomes less flexible as we age. The changes are more rapid during middle age up to age 60, after which they become more stable. During this time frame it is important to see an eye doctor at least every two years to monitor the health of the eyes and to get seeing aids as needed.
Being in overall good health is also important to keep your eyes working well. Diabetes and high blood pressure can increase your risk of developing eye and vision problems. Many medications used to treat arthritis, high cholesterol, anxiety and thyroid problems can cause side effects to your vision. Speak with your doctor about any changes to your eyes in conjunction with your optometrist.
Steps – Eat a healthy diet to support your sight. Foods rich in vitamin C and E, zinc, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids are all supportive. If you work on a computer or read a lot, make sure you take breaks by periodically gazing far away.
Stay hydrated to support tear production, especially because it naturally decreases with age. Protect your eyes with safety glasses when working or playing sports if there is any chance of injury. Preventing major problems is important to ensure the health of the eyes for them to function at their best.
Why It Makes You Feel Better – It can be worrisome to notice changes in the ability to see, especially if the changes seem to be occurring rapidly. Regular visits with an optometrist can reassure you that there are no major problems that you need to be aware of, and you can be diagnosed early if there are. Glaucoma and macular degeneration are serious issues that are important to catch early to ensure the best outcome and to preserve good vision for as long as possible.
Example – We often look forward to the day when we will retire and be able to read all of the books we put aside because we were too busy. Then when we have the time to read, our eyes may not be as sharp as they once were. Don’t take them for granted and take steps to keep yourself as healthy as you can, because your eyes will reflect the overall condition that you are in.