The first thing people look at when they have a conversation with you is your eyes because they are windows into your soul. But, age takes a toll on them after a while. Good eye care is important when you’re older and you have to be especially diligent about it to avoid problems that can affect everything from driving safely to your balance.
I’ve spent a lot of time at the optometrist as I wore contacts for over 50 years starting when I was 14. Through the years I endured every style of contact lens from hard to the most high-tech soft ones.
Eye care is a must
One eye disease we all need to look out for as we get older is age-related macular degeneration because it can eventually cause total blindness. You should also get checked for cataracts and glaucoma, which are common and age-related as well.
I want to offer 6 tips to keep your eyes bright and sharp for as long as possible.
1. Make sure you have vision Insurance
Some medical insurance plans, including Medicare, do not include vision care. If yours doesn’t, make sure to buy a vision insurance plan to cover your yearly eye exams and any problems that may arise. If you’ve avoided the eye doctor because your vision is sharp, you still need a yearly checkup for potential eye diseases before they become a problem.
2. Don’t use electronics close to bedtime
Kids aren’t the only ones online all day. Baby Boomers are too and this can have an effect on your eyes and keep you up at night. It may be a good idea to wear blue-blocking reading glasses when you’re at your computer or reading from your Kindle.
3. Take a supplement for optimal eye health
My optometrist recommends Bausch & Lomb Ocuvite with Lutein to protect your eyes as you age. It’s a combination of vitamins and nutrients that help prevent macular degeneration by filtering out harmful blue light. If you sit in front of a computer for hours it’s a good idea to take it. Ocuvite contains lutein, zeaxanthin, omega 3’s, DHA & EPA, and Vitamins C, E, & Zinc. You can get those nutrients from specific foods but you have to eat a lot of it.
4. Avoid sun damage by always wearing sunglasses outside
The sun is damaging not only to our skin but also to our eyes. In addition to causing cataracts, exposure to both visible light and UV radiation it may also cause the gradual degeneration of the retina, damage to the cornea, and pterygium (an overgrowth of the conjunctiva). Sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV rays will give you the best protection. They aren’t just for sunny days, either.
You can damage your eyes even when it’s overcast and snowing. And, contrary to what many people believe, the color of the lens doesn’t make a difference when it comes to protecting you from UV rays. Amber works just as well as charcoal as long as they have 100% UV protection.
5. Save money on glasses
Good eye care over 50 means wearing quality eyeglasses, contacts (if you wear them), and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. That can be costly, and as we get older most of us want to save our money for retirement or to have fun traveling.
Warby Parker -sells affordable glasses and stylish eyeglasses. I loved the entire buying experience they offer and you can try on 5 frames for free when you order. The whole process is seamless. Warby Parker gives back to non-profits with every purchase. I’m excited to announce, they now sell contact lenses. Read a blog post I wrote about Warby Parker here.
6. Eat foods that will keep your eyes healthy and sharp
According to Health Line, the 7 Best Foods for Healthy Eyes to prevent cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eyes, and poor night vision are:
Fish, eggs, almonds, dairy, (yogurt) carrots, kale, and oranges. You may also want to include whole grains, berries, legumes, and sunflower seeds.
Here’s to taking care of your eyes over 50. Have a carrot on me!
Updated on 7/2023
How do you keep your eyes shining bright? Please leave a comment below.
The eyes have it, for sure! Great tips. I just bought a pair of Warby Parker eyeglasses. Can’t wait to receive them! Many women experience dry eye during their menopausal journey. It is important to take good care and be proactive about dry eye.
You’ll love your Warby Parkers, Ellen! You’re so right about dry eye and menopause.
My vision is driving me kind of crazy. My optometrist says my refraction prescription hasn’t changed, but I do a lot of close work (Zentangle) and then have trouble seeing at other distances. Very frustrating. Does anyone else experience this phenomenon? Any suggestions?
I know how you feel, Suzanne. I had my contacts adjusted for distance and now can’t see anything close. I juggle glasses on my head all day – readers – sunglasses. I feel better driving now, though.
I love my wps and so does hubby! His AND mine.
That’s so cool to hear, Carol. they’re wonderful! I love mine too.
So ironic, as I just picked up my new pair of glasses today and wish I could stick with the old ones. There is always that in-between time period when your eyes are adjusting. Interested in the creams you suggested. Thanks.
I know how you feel about that. I wear contacts 99% of the time but had to wear glasses when my eyes were messed up. It took me a while to get used to them. It’s kind of disorienting.
This hits home. A big side effect of my MS medication is macular edema, so my vision is of huge concern and extensively checked regularly.
Of course, the eye docs don’t help me with the wrinkles around my eyes, so I think I”ll check into the eye creams you recommend. 😀
I’m glad you’re getting your vision checked regularly, Lisa. Hope you like the eye creams too.
My husband swears by Warby Parker. They have great frames, great prices, great service! Somehow I have still not needed glasses but I don’t want to jinx it by saying anything!
You’re lucky you have great vision. WP and some of the other companies on the list have great sunglasses too. We all need those because sun causes wrinkles too.
Thanks for sharing the tips! About the eye cream, I would like to make some more suggestions that I think it also work well:
– AHC Real Eye Cream For Face, this is my no.1 choice. It cannot go wrong with such a high-tech brand from Korea.
– Otherwise, you can enjoy the explosion of moisture coming from Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb if you’re a fancy girl.
– When I have to travel a lot for work, Panda’s Dream is my great partner.
Thanks for letting me know about the eye creams, Lydia. I love trying new products especially when they come from a reader.