You rely on your sight to enjoy life to the fullest, but as you reach your 40s and 50s, you may notice your vision starting to change.
As you age, the muscles of the eye become less flexible, and have a harder time focusing on objects that are close. You may need more light to see. You may have a harder time differentiating shades of blue and green. These are all indications of a condition called presbyopia. This condition is completely natural, and happens to almost everyone. Think of it as just another stage in your eye development.
You may also notice that just about everyone in your age group uses some type of vision correction, like spectacles or multifocal contact lenses. Beyond corrective lenses, there are other options to consider: If you are shortsighted (myopic), longsighted (hyperopic) or you have astigmatism and you’d like to make vision correction unnecessary, laser surgery is a safe and effective alternative.
Be sure to visit the optometrist regularly – and learn about all the potential eye concerns related to your particular age group. By being well-informed, you can learn to recognise signs of trouble – and possibly cure or slow a sight-threatening disease. In between eye exams, if you notice a change in your vision – or if your eye becomes injured in any way – contact your optometrist.
Getting the right amount of rest, regular exercise, and proper nutrition are vital for your long-term eye health. Studies have shown that antioxidant minerals and other vitamins may help defend against free radicals and help prevent related diseases. Free radicals are unstable molecules – unchecked, they can damage cells in the eye, which may lead to serious vision problems, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.