As you age, you may experience changes in your vision. Age-related macular degeneration is the gradual breakdown of the macula, which is a part of the eye that provides good eyesight. Diabetic retinopathy is also more common as you age, which is a diabetes-related complication that breaks down the retina’s blood vessels.

While all of these conditions are serious, there are steps and easy lifestyle changes you can make to greatly reduce your risk of developing age-related vision issues.

Eat eye-healthy foods.

Fish, nuts and legumes are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for vision health. Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and collard greens are great for your eyes, as are carrots, sweet potatoes, and even beef. It’s easy to find recipes that work in a few of these foods – try a system like Supercook to search for recipes based on the ingredients you have.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Having type-2 diabetes greatly increases your risk for diabetic retinopathy. Our top tips to maintain a healthy weight are maintaining a regular workout routine, watch your portion sizes, and avoid sedentary activities. If you have concerns about your weight or your chances of developing diabetes, speak with your family doctor.

Wear polarized sunglasses.

Not all sunglasses are polarized! Ask your Beyond Vision team member about sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of both UV-A and UV-B rays.

Quit smoking.

You already know smoking is bad for your lungs, but did you know it’s also harmful to your eyes? Smoking increases your risk for developing cataracts and can accelerate age-related macular degeneration, and other eye diseases and conditions.

Visit your Beyond Vision optometrist for regular eye exams.

If you have any concerns or changes to your vision, your optometrist is well-equipped to help.