You may have had a 20/20 vision for your entire lifetime, but as you age, your eyesight begins to deteriorate. Once you hit 40, you may start facing vision-related issues like difficulty with focusing, blurred vision, or early onset of cataracts or macular degeneration. 

This is why it is important to take proper care of your eye health as you age. Plus, if someone in your family has a history of age-related eye conditions, it is better to stay alert and take steps to protect your eyes and keep them healthy. 

If you’re already 40, here are a few signs to spot aging eyes and is a clear indication that you need to talk to a doctor immediately:

• Blurry vision
• Dry eyes on a continuous basis
• Eye floaters and flashes
• Need for excessive light
• Poor vision in the night/dark
• Fading of colors

Here are a few tips to keep your eyes healthy and functioning well after the age of 40:

Eat a healthy diet 

“Eat more carrots and leafy greens, they are good for vision.” Well, you might have definitely heard this. And this is actually true! Carrots are rich in Vitamin A and dark green vegetables are rich in lutein and antioxidants, which promotes healthy eye function.

Therefore, having a healthy and balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more can protect your eyes against age-related vision problems. These nutrients help in the growth of healthy cells that can decrease the chances of eye problems like cataracts and more.

Always remember, a healthy and balanced diet is king!

Also read: WHAT ARE THE BEST FOODS FOR EYE HEALTH?

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise improves overall health, this also includes reducing the risk of developing any eye disease. At least 30 mins of physical activity per day are recommended, which includes but is not limited to walking, running, and cycling. Taking care of your eyes after the age of 40 is essential if you want to maintain good vision and keep your eyes functioning well. 

Exercising will improve the blood flow in the body and make sure all the nutrient supply is proper. And with a proper oxygen supply, the chances of cataracts and glaucoma fall down. By improving blood flow, you can also reduce the chances of diabetes and high blood pressure, which helps to avoid diabetic retinopathy.

Reduce your screen time

Excessive exposure to screens can lead to various eye-related issues like eye strain, fatigue, and dry eyes. Taking regular breaks from screens can help prevent these problems and reduce your risk of developing vision problems.

Practice the 20-20-20 rule whenever you are using a mobile phone, laptop, or computer. This rule says to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

This is one of the best ways to protect your eyes after the age of 40 if you have too much screen time.

Also read: 8 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR EYES HEALTHY WHILE WORKING ON A COMPUTER

Wear sunglasses 

Sunglasses are more than just an accessory. It can help you to protect your eye vision by blocking both UVA and UVB rays. Exposing more to sunlight can lead to problems like cataracts, macular degeneration, and more.

Plus, it can also protect your eyes from dust and dirt. So, it is better to wear sunglasses whenever you are going out in order to reduce the risk of developing eye-related problems. 

Quit smoking

Do you know smoking can damage your optic nerve? If you want to protect your eyes, you need to quit smoking, as it can actually contribute to blindness.

Smoking can cause more age-related eye problems, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Plus, it can decrease the level of antioxidants in your body that contribute to improving your eyesight.

So, by avoiding smoking, you can actually protect your eyesight.

Go for a regular eye checkup.

If you are over the age of 40, it is recommended to go for regular eye checkups. Your ophthalmologist can detect the changes in your vision, look for signs of any kind of eye disease, and provide you with proper treatment. Prevention is always better than cure! And early detection is the key to preserving your eye health.

Final words

Keep your eyes healthy and reduce your risk of developing age-related eye diseases by following the above tips.

Looking for the best eye hospital in Hyderabad? Visit PVRI today!