For Seniors: Don't Take Your Eyes for Granted

Imagine what life would be like if you couldn't see well. Reading might not be possible. Watching a movie could be tough. Focusing on the face of a loved one could drive you to tears.

The number of people losing their vision is growing. Experts say much of this vision loss could be prevented.

Don't put off regular eye exams because your eyes feel fine or you don't wear glasses or contact lenses. Signs of some eye diseases like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) might be present before you notice symptoms.

Get annual exams

People who are age 65 or older should have an annual dilated eye exam even if they are seeing well.

Many diseases cause vision loss as we age, but AMD is among the Western world's top causes of blindness. It leads to loss of your central vision. It may cause dark spots in your sight, make straight lines appear wavy, or cause text to seem blurry. AMD, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and dry eye syndrome can all rob you of your sight.

It's best to see your eye care provider before trouble starts. If you notice any of these signs, call for a visit right away:

• Trouble seeing objects close up or far away

• Colors that seem faded

• Poor night vision

• Double or multiple vision

• Loss of side vision

• Poor central vision or images that look wavy

• Blurry text or type

Save aging eyes

• See your eye care provider regularly. Make it a yearly visit if you're age 65 or older.

• Don't smoke. Ask your healthcare provider for help if you smoke and have trouble quitting. Try to stay away from secondhand smoke and air pollution.

• Wear sunglasses that protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays when you are outside. Wear them even on cloudy days.

• Wear protective eyewear for sports such as tennis, cycling, baseball, pickle ball, or other activities (such as yard work) that can endanger eyes.

• Exercise regularly. The CDC says that all adults should avoid inactivity. It stresses that some physical activity is better than none. For the most health benefits, the CDC advises that each week adults do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity exercise, or 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise, or a combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity.

• Eat healthy foods, especially leafy green vegetables and foods with omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and tuna.