Many adults develop eyesight issues between their mid-40s and early 50s. Poor vision at close distances is one of the most common challenges. This article explores the top six ways to improve your vision over 50.
1. Eat for Your Eyes
A healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of eye health problems. Eating the right food is the best way to get eye-healthy nutrients. For example, eating carrots is good for your vision since they are rich in vitamin A, an essential nutrient for vision. However, vitamin A isn’t the only vitamin that promotes healthy eye function. Ensure you include foods rich in vitamins C, E, and zinc.
As you age, macular degeneration can become your biggest challenge. However, foods like eggs, pumpkins, carrots, dark leafy greens, and sweet potatoes contain antioxidants and can help reduce macular degeneration. Fish is also great for your eyes. Coldwater fish such as mackerel, wild salmon, and cod are rich in DHA. This fatty acid strengthens cell membranes, including those in your eyes.
2. Exercise for Your Eyes
Since the eyes have muscles, they require exercises to remain in good shape. Eye exercises are especially great in the morning when your eyes feel tired. Begin by warming up your eyes for five seconds with warm palms. Do it three times. Next, circle your eyes about ten times in both directions.
To help sharpen your focus:
- Hold a pen at arm’s length and focus on it.
- Move the pen closer slowly until it’s about six inches from your nose.
- Redo this process ten times.
3. Rest for Your Eyes
Closing your eyes for just a few minutes can be refreshing, especially if your job involves sitting in front of a computer or reading. As simple as it sounds, this exercise can protect your eyes from over-exertion or fatigue.
Resting your eyes for a few minutes isn’t enough, though. Your body requires regular, restful sleep for your health and well-being. When your body gets enough rest, your eyes become renewed.
4. Create Eye-Friendly Surroundings
Plenty of things that surround us daily can be bad for the eyes. For instance, sitting for long periods in front of a computer, getting chlorine water in your eyes, using dim lighting when reading, or using fluorescent lights can degrade your vision. So, look out for these conditions and do all you can to reduce exposing your eyes to them.
5. Avoid Smoking
Besides being unhealthy, smoking can increase your chances of developing cataracts and macular degeneration. Additionally, smoking can reduce the number of antioxidants beneficial to your eyes. If you smoke and are having trouble quitting, check out these helpful resources.
6. Get an Eye Exam
Most people wait until they experience eye health problems for an eye exam. However, most vision defects can be corrected when detected early. In addition, research has shown that annual eye exams play a critical role in the early diagnosis of health conditions ranging from diabetes to cognitive functions and heart health.
Conclusion
Eye health beyond 50 can be challenging. However, maintaining an active, nutritious lifestyle and getting routine eye exams can go a long way. So schedule your eye exam today!