Eye health has a big impact on how long you live. Here’s how – and ways to protect your vision
Let’s face it: Aging eyes are all too often aching eyes. From dry eye syndrome and presbyopia (a gradual loss of the ability to focus on nearby objects) to more serious conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration, these common age-related eye problems can have a big impact on our overall wellness and quality of life.
And that’s not all. Research suggests a connection between poor eye health and a reduced lifespan. As reported here, a meta-analysis in The Lancet Global Health found that people with more severe vision problems had significantly higher risk of mortality from all causes compared to those with normal vision or mild impairment. In fact, according to the study, which looked at 48,000 people from 17 studies, mortality risk was 29% higher for people with mild vision impairment, compared to normal vision. For people with severe vision impairment, the risk increases to 89%.
“It’s important these issues are addressed early on because losing your vision affects more than just how you see the world; it affects your experience of the world and your life,” the study’s lead author, Joshua Ehrlich, M.D., M.P.H., told University of Michigan Medicine. “This analysis provides an important opportunity to promote not only health and wellbeing, but also longevity by correcting, rehabilitating, and preventing avoidable vision loss across the globe.” According to the report, the main causes of vision loss and blindness are both avoidable. These include not wearing glasses when needed and not treating cataracts.
There’s also scientific evidence suggesting that poor vision is linked to reduced physical activity, social isolation, physical independence and Depression—all factors, which we wrote about here and here and here—that can negatively affect longevity.
With this in mind, we break down five common age-related eye problems, including symptoms to watch for, as well as treatment options. After that, we’ll look at ways to protect your eye health through Diet and other Lifestyle choices.
Eye ailments
Presbyopia, a common age-related condition that affects the ability to see objects up close, can be managed in several ways. Reading glasses (which are way more fun and fashionable these days), are available over the counter or can be tailored to your prescription. Bifocal or multifocal lenses in eyeglasses or contact lenses are also an option, as they help correct both near and distance vision. In some cases, refractive surgeries like LASIK or PRK can reshape the cornea and improve near vision. Corneal inlays, which are small devices implanted into the cornea, offer another surgical solution for those seeking to correct presbyopia.
Cataracts, characterized by clouding of the eye’s natural lens, are typically addressed through surgery. In the early stages, cataracts may be managed with updated eyeglass prescriptions and the use of magnifying lenses to enhance vision. However, when the condition progresses and significantly impacts daily activities, cataract surgery becomes the most effective option. This procedure involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract surgery is not nearly as complicated as it once was; it usually takes only 10-20 minutes to complete and is performed while you are awake, with mild sedation. A common and safe intervention, the procedure has high success rates and can significantly improve vision.
Glaucoma, which involves damage to the optic nerve and increased intraocular pressure, has various treatment options aimed at lowering eye pressure. The most common initial treatment is the use of prescription eye drops that either reduce fluid production in the eye or enhance its drainage. Oral medications may also be used alongside eye drops for additional pressure control. If medication alone is insufficient, laser treatments such as trabeculoplasty can help improve fluid drainage. For more advanced cases, surgical procedures like trabeculectomy or the insertion of drainage implants are available to create new pathways for fluid to escape the eye, thereby lowering pressure.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, has different approaches depending on whether it is the dry or wet form of the disease. For dry AMD, dietary supplements high in antioxidants and zinc (like AREDS2) have shown effectiveness in slowing disease progression. For the more aggressive wet form of AMD, anti-VEGF injections, such as bevacizumab or ranibizumab, are administered to reduce abnormal blood vessel Growth and leakage. Laser Therapy may also be used to destroy these abnormal vessels in some cases. Additionally, for those with significant vision loss, low-vision aids, such as magnifying glasses and specialized devices, can help improve quality of life.
Dry eyes, a common issue in older adults, have multiple treatment strategies. Over-the-counter artificial tears and lubricating eye drops provide moisture and temporary relief. Prescription medications, such as anti-inflammatory drops like cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra), may be prescribed to boost tear production. For more severe cases, punctal plugs, which are tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts, help retain moisture by reducing tear drainage. Lifestyle modifications, including using humidifiers, avoiding windy environments, and taking frequent breaks from screens, can further alleviate symptoms. Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene practices, like using specialized wipes, also play a role in improving tear quality and reducing discomfort. For dietary support, omega-3 supplements from fish oil are often recommended to enhance tear production, although the research on this is mixed.
Regular eye exams are key for detecting all these issues early, sometimes even before symptoms appear. Comprehensive exams can identify changes in vision and spot early signs of eye diseases like glaucoma and AMD.
Nourish your eyes
Fruits and veggies, as well as fatty fish, go a long way in promoting eye health. Like other longevity foods, they can easily be added to salads, sides, snacks, stir fries, smoothies and soups. (Visit The SuperAging Kitchen for more ways your diet can promote healthy aging.) Here are some top foods to feed your eyes:
- Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale): Rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that reduce the risk of cataracts and AMD.
- Carrots and Sweet Potatoes: High in beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A that supports good vision and overall eye health.
- Fatty Fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines): Omega-3 fatty acids in these fish may help prevent dry eyes and may reduce the risk of AMD.
- Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Grapefruits): Contain vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports healthy blood vessels in the eyes and helps reduce cataract risk.
- Nuts and Seeds (Almonds, Walnuts): Good sources of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, which help protect eyes from age-related damage.
Besides your diet, other things you can do to protect your precious peepers include shielding your eyes from UV light (wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays when outdoors), getting regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. Also be sure to stay hydrated to help keep your eyes moist and comfortable. When it comes to your digital devices, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
More on healthy aging:
Good for brain and body: Why you should eat more apples, plus healthy recipes
Debunking 8 medical myths about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
How a healthy gut boosts longevity, plus tips to get your gut in top shape
It’s a buzzy wellness trend right now, but can cold therapy also boost our longevity?
Content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns regarding a medical condition.
