Preventive Vision Care by Age
We don't often think about it, but as we get older, our eyes are aging too. And that means new challenges. Luckily, there are many healthful choices you can make—from eating the right foods to taking certain supplements—that can help you protect your vision. Our chart offers some useful ideas.
Age | Risk | Preventive Care |
|
30s | Eat a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables to help prevent future problems.
| Always wear sunglasses or a hat in the sun. |
|
40s | Cataracts are a prevalent cause of vision loss. They appear gradually, so be sure to have your eyes tested regularly.
| f you aren’t getting enough vitamins in your diet, consider taking a supplement. Vitamins C and E are key, even after cataracts have appeared. |
|
50s | Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is the leading cause of vision loss for older Americans.
| Be sure to eat foods with high levels of antioxidants, such as berries, and consider taking a supplement that contains lutein and/or zeaxanthin. |
|
60s & Beyond | Glaucoma affects about 3 percent of those over age 65, and many cases go undiagnosed.
| Avoid the anti-inflammatory class of drugs called corticosteroids, and continue to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Have your eyes tested annually after age 60. |
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