Among the many parts of our bodies that go through changes while we age, the eyes are no exception. Many age-related changes occur to our eyes, and some come with the normal experience of aging, while others are more serious and could advance to disease.

Usually after you pass the age of 40, strength in vision will start to decline. One of these age-related vision changes, according to Gary Heiting from allaboutvision.com, is Presbyopia. This results in difficulty focusing on close-up objects from the hardening of the lens inside your eye. This condition is normal with age and does not indicate any sort of disease. However, you may eventually need reading glasses or contact lenses to see.

Cataracts are also common among seniors, but it is an eye disease that needs to be corrected with surgery. According to Heiting, modern technology ensures a safe and effective surgery that can restore damage done by even the most corrosive conditions. If you notice symptoms of cataracts, contact your eye doctor immediately before the symptoms worsen.

Other diseases like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy are also common among seniors and could lead to permanent vision loss.

Heiting explained that some reasons why age affects our eyes are reduced pupil size, chronic dry eye, decreased color vision, and loss of peripheral vision. You can’t escape age-related eye deterioration, but knowing preventative measures could help in the long-run.

First, have routine eye exams at least every two years. According to WebMD.com, wear sunglasses when you are outside because an excessive amount of UV rays can heighten chances of cataracts. Fill your plate with nutrient-rich foods that can promote eye health.

Eating foods with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, and zinc will help limit eye degeneration. Leafy greens like spinach and kale, fish like salmon and tuna, and even oysters and pork are among some of the foods that have these benefits.

Regardless if you decide to make a point to eat these certain foods, a healthy diet in the first place is an important to having a healthy disposition. According to allaboutvision.com, poor dieting can lead to serious health issues, including vision loss.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture, a healthy diet consists of fruit, vegetables, milk products, lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and low saturated fats and sugars.

Taking eye supplements is also a great and easy way to improve vision. According to allaboutvision.com, eye supplements have vitamins and other nutrients that are designed to add to your healthy diet. Keep in mind that they are not meant to replace a poor diet, but promote a healthy one.

While age-related vision detriments can be unavoidable, keeping up with eye health can ensure that those detriments do not lead to more serious conditions. Keep up with regular eye exams, maintain a healthy diet, and take any added supplements where you can.

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Recipes For Good Eye Health

Greek Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

2 cups multicolored cherry tomatoes, halved
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup English cucumber, chopped
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup kalamata olives, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Directions:

1. Combine tomatoes and salt in a large bowl. Let stand 5 minutes.
2. Add cucumber, onion, olives, oregano leaves, olive oil, vinegar, and crushed red pepper; toss.

 

Seared Salmon with Balsamic-Blistered Tomatoes

Ingredients:

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Four 6-ounce salmon fillets, about 1 inch thick
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
2/3 cup shallots, thinly sliced
3 cups cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup torn basil leaves, divided
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 500°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large cast-iron skillet over high. Sprinkle fillets evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add fillets to pan; cook 4 minutes on one side or until golden brown. Place fillets, seared side up, on prepared baking sheet; bake at 500°F for 4 minutes or until desired degree of doneness.

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Written by: Alex Dunn