As we age, it’s typical to experience some vision changes and eye problems. Around age 50, many people begin needing prescription glasses or contact lenses because their eyes no longer focus as well as they used to. Here are some ways to help keep your eyes healthy throughout your middle age and beyond.

Tips for Healthy Eyes Over 50

1. Exercise Your Eyes & Body

Like any other muscles in your body, your eye muscles can get tired and out of shape. Keep them in good condition by exercising them when you wake up, before you go to bed, and any time they feel tired. To keep your eye muscles limber, roll your eyes in a circle 10 times in each direction. To improve your focus, hold your finger about 6 inches away from your face and slowly move it to arm’s length, keeping your focus on it the whole time. Perform that sequence 10 times. Exercising the rest of your body can help to stave off eye problems as well, as it improves circulation to the blood vessels in the eyes.

2. Focus on Nutrition

Eating a well-balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables has countless health benefits, including helping your vision. Foods that are rich in vitamin A—such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and broccoli—promote eye health, and fish contain the fatty acid DHA, which helps the eye membranes stay strong. Antioxidant-rich foods such as eggs, pumpkin, and spinach can aid in reducing the effects of macular degeneration, which becomes a problem for many people as they age.

3. Get Regular Eye Exams

Visiting your eye doctor regularly is a good idea at any stage of life, but after age 50 it’s important to get a comprehensive eye exam at least once every two years. If you need glasses or contacts for vision correction, regular visits to the optometrist will keep your prescription up to date as your eyesight changes.

Additionally, an eye exam can detect age-related eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. This enables your doctor to start treating them early before they become severe. If you begin experiencing any eye problems before your next scheduled vision test, make an appointment with an optometrist as soon as possible.

Progressive Vision Group PA in High Point, NC, provides quality eye care for patients of all ages. Their experienced eye doctors diagnose and treat a variety of eye problems, and their office has a wide selection of eyeglasses and contacts to help you see clearly and look great. Call (336) 841-2028 today to schedule an eye exam or visit their website to learn more about their vision care services and products.