(Pictured: Regular eye exams are important for good eye health).

Maintaining health and quality of life as we age requires us to prioritize eyesight. Regular eye exams and early detection are essential for maintaining good eye health, just like many other aspects of overall health.

Lighthouse Guild, a non-profit organization supporting blind and vision-impaired persons, notes that low vision (vision loss that can’t be corrected with eyeglasses, contacts, or surgery) can impact many people as they get older and lead to difficulty performing everyday activities such as driving, reading, and hobbies. Symptoms can include loss of central and/or peripheral vision, blurred or hazy vision, and difficulty seeing at night.

occurs, lifestyle factors can play an important role in protecting vision. For instance:

• Eat a balanced diet including dark, leafy greens and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.

• Maintain a healthy weight, and exercise.

• Get enough sleep to rest your eyes.

• Don’t smoke.

• Keep diabetes and blood pressure under control.

• Wear sunglasses and a brimmed hat outdoors.

• Wear protective eyewear during activities such as sports, gardening, and construction work.

• Discuss your family’s eye health history with your eye care professional.

Source: Lighthouse Guild