Clear Vision for the Golden Years: Eye Health Tips for Healthy Aging Month

September is Healthy Aging Month—a perfect time to celebrate vitality, wisdom, and joy in later years. But did you know that 1 in 6 Americans over age 65 live with vision loss that glasses or contacts can’t fix?

As we age, our eyes naturally change, and the risk of developing serious eye diseases increases. The good news? With healthy habits and regular eye care, many problems can be prevented or caught early.

Why Eye Health Declines with Age

Just like the rest of the body, our eyes change over time. Some of the most common age-related eye conditions include:

Why Eye Health Declines with Age

Just like the rest of our bodies, our eyes are affected by time. Conditions such as:
Cataracts (clouding of the eye’s lens)
Glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (loss of central vision)
Diabetic retinopathy (vision loss related to diabetes)

These can all impact independence and quality of life. The key is early detection. Many of these conditions develop slowly and without pain, so regular checkups are critical.

Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

While it’s tempting to brush off changes as “just getting older,” some symptoms signal a need for prompt eye care:

• Blurry or cloudy vision that doesn’t improve with glasses
  
• Difficulty driving at night or sensitivity to glare
  
• Loss of side (peripheral) vision
  
• Struggling to read, recognize faces or see colors clearly
  

If you notice these, it’s time to see an eye doctor.

Steps to Protect Your Sight as You Age

Healthy habits go a long way toward protecting your eyes:
✅ Get a comprehensive eye exam every 1–2 years after age 60
✅ Wear sunglasses with UV protection
✅ Eat eye-healthy foods—think leafy greens, fish high in omega-3s, citrus, and nuts
✅ Stay active to support circulation and overall wellness
✅ Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure

Helping Loved Ones Protect Their Vision

Sometimes older adults hesitate to schedule an eye exam, whether due to cost, transportation or simply not realizing it’s necessary. If you have a parent, grandparent or neighbor over 60, encourage them to prioritize their eye health. Offering a ride to the eye doctor, or simply starting the conversation, can make all the difference.

Celebrate Healthy Aging Month with Clear Vision

Your vision plays a huge role in independence, confidence and overall quality of life. This Healthy Aging Month, give yourself (or a loved one) the gift of healthy eyes by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam at one of our 5 locations. Clearer vision means a brighter tomorrow!