How To Keep Your Vision From Fading As You Age

Remember when you could sit down to read a newspaper without reaching for your glasses? You may never have those young eyes again, but that doesn't mean you're doomed to a life of poor vision. In fact, many people have good eyesight well into their eighties and beyond. While some changes are inevitable, with a few simple steps you can ensure the best vision possible for your circumstances. How can you protect your vision? See an optometrist or ophthalmologist every one to two years under normal circumstances, or once a year if you have diabetes or a family history of eye diseases. Most serious eye diseases are easily treated if they're caught in time. An ophthalmologist can also check your eyesight and, if needed, change the prescription on your glasses. Contact an ophthalmologist immediately if you experience a sudden loss of eyesight, pain in the eye, double vision, unusual fluids seeping from the eye, or extreme redness or swelling of the eye or eyelid -- particularly if you have diabetes or a family history of eye diseases. Wear sunglasses with ultraviolet protection and a wide-brimmed hat when you venture into the sun. Its rays can damage eye tissue and increase...