As people get older, it’s common to notice changes in how clearly they see, how well they focus in different lighting, or how long their eyes can stay comfortable throughout the day. While some of these shifts are simply a natural part of aging, others can signal issues that need attention before they grow more serious.

The good news is that with regular care and a bit of awareness, it’s entirely possible to keep your eyes healthy for years to come. The key is staying informed about what to expect, what habits help most, and what to look out for along the way.

Older woman with white hair and glasses holding a leather tote bag.

Pay attention to early warning signs

One of the easiest ways to stay ahead of serious eye problems is by not ignoring subtle changes like blurry vision, eye strain, or more frequent headaches. These early signs don’t always mean something major is wrong, but they’re still worth bringing up during an eye exam.

Catching problems early can often make treatment easier and more effective. So even if it feels like a minor annoyance, it’s worth mentioning to a professional who knows what to look for.

Make regular checkups part of your routine

Annual eye exams become more important as people get older, even if they’ve never had vision problems in the past. These checkups give optometrists the chance to spot issues that people might not feel yet, such as high eye pressure or early signs of cataracts.

Modern tools like optical coherence tomography for glaucoma diagnosis help detect diseases earlier by showing detailed images of the optic nerve and layers of the retina. Having this kind of technology available during routine visits can catch changes long before vision is affected.

Don’t ignore the role of nutrition

What someone eats plays a much bigger role in eye health than many people realise. Foods rich in vitamins C and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc are especially helpful in protecting against age-related eye issues like macular degeneration.

Leafy greens, berries, fish, and nuts are great choices for adding eye-friendly nutrients to everyday meals. It’s a small shift that can make a big difference over time.

Understand how lighting and screen time affect your eyes

Long hours in front of a screen can take a toll on eye comfort, especially as people age and their eyes become less flexible. Adjusting lighting, reducing glare, and using blue light filters can all help keep eyes more relaxed throughout the day.

Taking short breaks by following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) can also reduce strain. It’s a simple trick that helps keep vision sharp and eyes feeling more refreshed.

Prioritise protection from the sun

Spending time outdoors is great, but it’s important not to forget about sunglasses. Long-term sun exposure can increase the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions, so wearing UV-blocking lenses is one of the easiest ways to help with protecting your vision over the years.

Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, and wear them even on cloudy days, since harmful rays still make it through. A hat with a brim doesn’t hurt either.