Your eyes are your lifelong companions, capturing every milestone and fleeting moment. Whether you’re gazing lovingly at your partner or celebrating your retirement with friends, they let you soak up every second. But like the rest of your body, your eyes go through many changes as you get older.
For many people, aging brings gradual or sudden vision loss from cataracts and other eye conditions. You might assume that these changes are inevitable — just as natural as gray hair or wrinkles — but that’s not the case. According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, an astonishing 90% of vision loss is preventable or treatable.
By learning how to care for your eye health by age, you can protect your vision and keep enjoying those important moments. Discover our top vision care tips for adults of every age.
Caring for Your Eyes at Every Life Stage
It’s easy to think that your eyes need the same care no matter your age. Just wear sunglasses on bright days and get the occasional eye exam, and you’re all set, right? Not quite. Maintaining healthy eyes requires age-specific care as your body and lifestyle change over time.
20s and 30s
Preventative care is the name of the game during early adulthood. This is the time to build healthy habits that will protect your eyesight for many years.
Nutrition is the foundation of eye health. Focus on eating plenty of foods that are chock full of vitamins and other essential nutrients. For example, carrots and sweet potatoes are great sources of vitamin A, which helps prevent dry eye. Meanwhile, leafy greens like kale and spinach are packed with antioxidants.
Other foods that support eye health include:
- Beans
- Citrus
- Eggs
- Oysters
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
You should also prioritize your physical fitness during your 20s and 30s. A 2024 literature review found that regular exercise can delay the onset and progression of many common eye conditions, including myopia, cataracts, and glaucoma. To reap the benefits of working out, aim to spend at least 150 minutes a week on moderate-intensity physical activities like running and cycling.
Avoiding digital eye strain is critical, too. This condition occurs when you spend too much time looking at screens, leading to blurry vision and achy eyes. Artificial tears can help you stay comfortable during late-night study sessions and work marathons. You should also look away from the screen regularly to give your eyes a break. Even 20 seconds of staring at the wall can go a long way toward reducing digital eye strain.
Finally, always wear protective eyewear during risky activities like playing paintball or sawing wood. Choose safety glasses and goggles that meet the American National Standards Institute’s rigorous standards.
40s and 50s
Many people develop presbyopia in their early to mid-40s. It’s a type of refractive error that occurs as your eyes age and lose elasticity. Presbyopia causes your vision to blur or distort when you look at objects up close.
There’s no way to prevent or reverse presbyopia — it’s a natural part of aging. However, regular comprehensive eye exams can help you catch and treat it quickly. Typically, this involves wearing corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses.
During this period, you should continue to manage your screen use. Blue light from devices disrupts sleep cycles, so try to avoid using devices for one to two hours before bed. While it might be hard to give up your evening Netflix or Facebook scrolling sessions, non-digital activities like reading will make it easier to fall and stay asleep.
60s and Beyond
Older adults are more likely to develop certain eye conditions and diseases, such as:
Age-related macular degeneration: This condition affects central vision and can make it difficult to handle everyday tasks like driving and reading.
Cataracts: Cloudy areas form in the eye’s lens, gradually reducing vision. Eye care professionals can treat this condition with cataract surgery.
Glaucoma: Fluid pressure builds up inside the eye and can cause blindness if left untreated. There are several treatments for glaucoma, including lasers and prescription eye drops.
The signs of these conditions can be subtle, with glaucoma often having no symptoms at all in its early stages. That’s why regular eye doctor visits are essential for this age group. For people over 60, the American Optometric Association recommends annual eye exams.
At home, there are many other ways you can protect your aging eyes, including:
- Eat a healthy diet packed with nutrients
- If you have diabetes, manage your blood sugar properly to prevent diabetic retinopathy
- Take frequent breaks when using screens for long periods.
- Use eye drops to alleviate dry eye
- Update your contact lens or glasses prescription as needed
- Wear sunglasses and a hat with a brim outdoors to protect your eyes from UV radiation and wind
You should also visit your primary healthcare provider at least once a year. They can check for conditions that may affect eye health, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. By staying on top of preventative care, you can detect issues early and safeguard your eyes for years to come.
Did You Know?
- Eating a Mediterranean diet rich in antioxidants is one of the best ways to improve your eye health.
- Digital eye strain affects approximately 78% of people and has increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Two out of three Americans incorrectly believe that vision loss is an unavoidable part of aging.
- Over 50% of Americans over the age of 80 currently have cataracts or have had them removed surgically.
- Up to 90% of workplace eye injuries can be prevented with proper protective eyewear and safety precautions.
Protect Your Vision with Routine Eye Exams
It’s not always easy to prioritize your health, especially when life gets busy, but don’t take your vision for granted. Your eyesight is literally priceless, and maintaining it takes active effort throughout your life.
Schedule an eye exam to start protecting your eyes. At West Texas Eye Associates, we’re committed to helping you monitor your health and preserve your vision. What are you waiting for? Schedule an online appointment now with our friendly and professional team.