As we age, our eyes and vision naturally decline, increasing the risk of conditions such as presbyopia, glaucoma, dry eyes, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
Many people with age-related eye conditions won’t notice symptoms in the early stages. If your loved one experiences blurred vision, stinging eyes, excessive or insufficient tearing, spots or flashes of light, tunnel vision, headaches, difficulty seeing at night, eye fatigue, trouble focusing, or issues distinguishing colors, contact an eye doctor immediately.
Use bright, non-glare lights and task lighting for activities like reading. Assistive devices like magnifiers, large-print books, and audiobooks can make vision changes less frustrating to your loved one and help them remain independent.
Support eye health by eating foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, and zinc, such as leafy greens, carrots, and fish high in omega-3s. Protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses, avoid smoking, stay well-hydrated, and schedule annual eye exams.