Your vision is one of the first senses you may notice changing as you get older, but there are a few things you can do to keep your aging eyes in tip-top shape. Keep up a Good Diet According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, diets that include kale, salmon, oranges and black-eyed peas will benefit both the heart and eyes. Plus, foods that include the nutrient beta-carotene can help your night vision. Look for orange-colored foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes and apricots.Wear SunglassesToo much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can increase your risk for cataracts in aging eyes, so it’s important to remember sunglasses when you go outside. As an added bonus, sunglasses protect the delicate skin around your eyes, too.Reduce Screen TimeStaring at a phone, television or computer screen can cause eye strain. It’s important to give your eyes a break during the day. Practice the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet away. This should keep the strain on your eyes in check.Get an Annual Eye Exam
The most important thing you can do for your eyes as you enter your golden years is get an annual eye exam. As you age, you may notice your eyes changing. Whether it’s a prescription change or an age-related eye disease like glaucoma or cataracts, your VSP network doctor can help you with a treatment plan. If you make it a priority to see your eye doctor each year, he or she will be able to keep track of your vision changes to keep your eyes as healthy as possible as you get older.
If you don’t have vision insurance, visit VSPDirect.com to learn more about coverage. VSP Individual Plans have a low out of pocket cost and cover an exam, glasses and/or contacts every year. If you already have VSP and want to stay covered after you retire, we can help with that as well.
