Healthy Aging
Maintain Your Vision Health
Good eyesight helps you read, move safely, drive, recognise faces and stay independent, and many common eye diseases cause no symptoms until they are advanced. This page covers the everyday habits that protect your eyes, the regular checks that catch problems early, and the changes that need urgent care.
General information, not medical advice. Last updated November 1, 2026. Written by the AlternativeMed editorial team. Not medically reviewed.
Start here
- Book a comprehensive dilated eye exam if you have not had one recently. The U.S. National Eye Institute says it is the only way to find many eye diseases early, and suggests one every 1 to 2 years if you are over 60 or have a family history of glaucoma. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, most people need one at least once a year, so ask your doctor.
- If you smoke, get support to stop. Smoking raises the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts and can harm the optic nerve.
- Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB light, even on cloudy days, and wear safety glasses for risky jobs and sports.
Be careful with
- Many eye diseases have no early symptoms. Feeling that your sight is fine is not the same as having healthy eyes, so do not skip exams because nothing hurts.
- Supplements sold for eye health are not a general protection. The best-studied formulations were tested in people who already have intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD), under an eye doctor's care.
- Do not self-treat sudden or worrying eye changes with drops, supplements or home remedies. Do not stop or change a prescribed eye drop or other medicine without talking to the prescriber.
Get help when
- A sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a dark shadow or curtain across part of your vision may be a retinal detachment, which the National Eye Institute calls a medical emergency. Contact an eye doctor or go to an emergency department right away.
- Sudden loss of vision, sudden blurred vision with intense eye pain, nausea and a red eye (possible angle-closure glaucoma) need immediate medical attention.
- Straight lines that suddenly look wavy or crooked, or a blurry or blank patch near the centre of your vision, can be a warning sign of late AMD: see an eye doctor right away.
- Gradual blurring, cloudy vision, glare, halos, faded colours or more trouble seeing at night: arrange an eye exam.
About Maintain Your Vision Health
What this goal means
Maintaining vision health means keeping your eyes as healthy and your sight as useful as possible through life: catching disease early, protecting the eyes from avoidable harm, correcting what can be corrected with glasses or surgery, and adapting your home and routines if sight does change. It is about eyesight itself. Hearing has its own page, and falls, home safety and independence are covered in neighbouring goals.
1Common experiences
Presbyopia, trouble focusing on near objects, is described by the National Eye Institute as a normal part of aging. It usually starts after about age 45 and generally stops progressing around age 65. Signs include holding things farther away to read, eye strain and headaches.
Cataracts, a clouding of the lens, are very common: more than half of Americans age 80 or older have cataracts or have had surgery. Symptoms include cloudy or blurry vision, faded colours, glare, halos around lights and trouble seeing at night.
Dry, tired or strained eyes are also common, especially with long periods looking at screens. Digital eye strain may affect half or more of computer users, and symptoms are usually temporary.
2,3,4,5,6Contributing factors
Age is the biggest factor for cataracts, glaucoma and AMD. The National Eye Institute also lists smoking, diabetes, heavy sun exposure, heavy alcohol use, family history, past eye injury or surgery, and long-term steroid use as cataract risk factors. For glaucoma, risk is higher over age 60, in African Americans over 40, and with a family history. For AMD, risk rises from age 55 and with family history and smoking.
Dry eye is more likely at 50 or older, in women, in contact lens wearers, with autoimmune conditions, with low vitamin A or omega-3 intake, and with some medicines taken for other conditions.
3,7,8,5Relevant conditions
Cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are the main age-related eye diseases. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and usually causes no symptoms early; side vision is lost first. Diabetic retinopathy damages blood vessels in the retina and is the most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetes. Retinal detachment is an emergency. Low vision is vision loss that standard glasses or contact lenses cannot fix.
This page does not diagnose any of these: only an eye exam can.
7,9,10,11,8Realistic expectations
Habits and regular exams lower some risks and let problems be found early, but they cannot prevent every eye disease. There is no cure for glaucoma, although treatment can often stop further damage; it cannot reverse damage already done. Cataract surgery is safe and corrects the vision problems caused by cataracts, and about 9 out of 10 people can see better afterwards. Where sight cannot be restored, low vision rehabilitation can help you do everyday tasks.
7,3,11Who this applies to
Everyone has a reason to look after their eyes, but the checks matter most for people over 60, people with diabetes or high blood pressure, people with a family history of glaucoma or AMD, smokers and ex-smokers, and anyone taking long-term medicines that can affect the eyes. Children are outside the focus of this page, though outdoor time is linked with lower risk of short-sightedness in children (see the studied section below).
12,13Related conditions and symptoms
Frailty: what it means and what helps → Prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome →
A manageable starting plan
An educational starting point, not a personal prescription. Adjust it to your own situation and any advice from your clinician.
Your first actions
- Book or confirm a dilated eye exam, and note when your next one is due.
- If you smoke, ask for help to quit.
- Keep diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol care up to date, and tell your eye doctor about them.
Optional additions
- Add dark leafy greens and fish to your weekly meals.
- Buy UV-blocking sunglasses and a brimmed hat; wear safety eyewear for risky tasks.
- Set up screen breaks and brighter, glare-free lighting at home.
What to track
- The date of your last dilated eye exam and what your doctor advised.
- Any changes in sight, glare or night vision, and whether they come on slowly or suddenly.
- Medicines and supplements you take, to show your eye doctor.
When to reassess
Review your plan at each eye exam. If your sight changes, arrange an exam promptly rather than waiting for the next routine one.
When to seek professional support
- An optometrist or eye doctor for exams, glasses and referrals.
- A doctor or pharmacist for medicines, diabetes and blood pressure.
- A low vision specialist if everyday tasks are getting hard.
What helps
Ordered by how well the research supports each step. Evidence strength is shown on every card; precautions sit next to the advice.
Start here
Regular comprehensive dilated eye exams
Moderate certaintyAddresses: Finds glaucoma, AMD, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and focusing problems early, often before you notice any change
Why it may help: The National Eye Institute says many eye diseases have no symptoms or warning signs and that a dilated exam is the way to check for them early. It recommends one every 1 to 2 years if you are over 60, are African American and over 40, or have a family history of glaucoma. Most people with diabetes or high blood pressure need one at least once a year.
How to apply it: Ask an optometrist or eye doctor for a dilated exam. Arrange a ride home and bring sunglasses, because vision can be blurry and light-sensitive for a few hours. Tell the doctor about your family eye history and all medicines you take.
Who it may suit: All adults, especially those over 60, with diabetes or high blood pressure, or with a family history of eye disease.
Precautions: The right timing depends on your own risk, so follow your eye doctor's advice. This is a recommendation from a national eye institute rather than a single trial.
12,7Healthy aging: warning signs and when to get help → Keep up with preventive care →
Not smoking (or quitting)
Moderate certaintyAddresses: Lowers the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts and protects the optic nerve
Why it may help: The National Eye Institute lists smoking as a risk factor for AMD and for cataracts, says not smoking or quitting may help lower AMD risk, and advises quitting to help prevent cataracts.
How to apply it: Ask a doctor, pharmacist or a quit-smoking service about support. Behavioural support and approved stop-smoking aids are options a professional can explain.
Who it may suit: Anyone who smokes or is around heavy smoke.
Precautions: Quitting is easier with support; relapse is common and not a failure.
8,3,1Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol in a healthy range
Moderate certaintyAddresses: Protects the small blood vessels of the retina and lowers the risk of diabetic retinopathy
Why it may help: The National Eye Institute says keeping blood sugar in a healthy range is the best way to lower the risk of diabetic retinopathy, and that high blood pressure or high cholesterol together with diabetes raises risk. It also lists healthy blood pressure and cholesterol among choices that may help with AMD.
How to apply it: Follow your care plan for diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol, keep regular check-ups, and have a dilated eye exam at least yearly if you have diabetes (some people need exams every 2 to 4 months).
Who it may suit: People with diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Precautions: Never change or stop prescribed diabetes, blood pressure or cholesterol medicines without your prescriber. Pregnant women with diabetes should have an eye exam as soon as possible.
9,8Prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome → Support healthy blood pressure →
Sunglasses that block UVA and UVB, and a brimmed hat
Low certaintyAddresses: Reduces sun exposure, a listed risk factor for cataracts
Why it may help: The National Eye Institute advises sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation, even on cloudy days, and lists heavy sun exposure as a cataract risk factor, recommending sunglasses and a brimmed hat.
How to apply it: Check the label for 99 to 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Wraparound styles also reduce wind and dust.
Who it may suit: Everyone who spends time outdoors.
Precautions: Dark lenses without UV protection are not protective, so check the label. The recommendation is from an institute guide; trial evidence for preventing eye disease is limited.
1,3Additional options
Dark leafy greens and omega-3-rich fish in your usual meals
Low certaintyAddresses: A healthy eating pattern that the National Eye Institute links with eye health
Why it may help: The National Eye Institute advises plenty of dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale and collards, and fish rich in omega-3s such as salmon, tuna or halibut. For AMD it lists leafy green vegetables and fish among healthy foods that may help. This is food advice, not proof that any one food prevents disease.
How to apply it: Add greens to meals most days and include fish as part of your usual diet.
Who it may suit: Most adults.
Precautions: If you take a blood thinner, keep leafy green intake steady and ask your prescriber. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should follow local advice on fish choices.
1,8Regular physical activity
Low certaintyAddresses: Lowers the risk of conditions that affect the eyes
Why it may help: The National Eye Institute says staying active lowers the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which can affect the eyes, and lists regular activity among choices that may help with AMD.
How to apply it: Choose activity you enjoy and can keep up, building gradually.
Who it may suit: Most adults.
Precautions: With uncontrolled eye conditions such as recent retinal surgery or advanced diabetic eye disease, ask your eye doctor which activities are safe.
1,8Screen breaks (the 20-20-20 habit) and well-fitted glasses
Low certaintyAddresses: Eases digital eye strain symptoms
Why it may help: The National Eye Institute suggests looking at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. A review of digital eye strain lists correcting refractive error and presbyopia, managing dry eye and taking regular screen breaks as management approaches.
How to apply it: Set a reminder, blink fully, and check that your reading or computer glasses match the distance you work at.
Who it may suit: People who use computers, tablets or phones for long periods.
Precautions: Persistent eye strain, headaches or double vision should be checked, because it can mean a glasses prescription change or another problem.
1,6Protective eyewear for risky tasks
Low certaintyAddresses: Lowers the risk of eye injury, which is a cause of retinal detachment
Why it may help: The National Eye Institute advises safety glasses or goggles for sports, construction and home repairs. Its retinal detachment page notes that eyewear during risky activities can lower injury-related risk.
How to apply it: Wear impact-rated eye protection for power tools, yard work, racquet sports and similar tasks.
Who it may suit: Anyone doing tasks with flying debris, chemicals or fast-moving objects.
Precautions: Ordinary glasses are not designed to protect against impact.
1,10An up-to-date glasses prescription, brighter lighting and magnifiers
Moderate certaintyAddresses: Better everyday vision while cataracts or presbyopia are mild
Why it may help: The National Eye Institute says a new eyeglass or contact lens prescription can improve vision in the early stages of cataracts, and brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses and magnifiers can help. For presbyopia it lists large print, bigger computer fonts, brighter reading light and reading glasses. The NHS says stronger glasses and brighter light may help while waiting for surgery.
How to apply it: Have your prescription checked at your regular eye exam, and put bright, glare-free lighting where you read and work.
Who it may suit: People with presbyopia, early cataracts or low vision.
Precautions: Over-the-counter reading glasses do not replace an eye exam, because they cannot detect disease.
3,2,4Still being studied
AREDS-type vitamin and mineral supplements for intermediate AMD
Moderate certaintyAddresses: May lower the chance that intermediate AMD progresses to late AMD
Why it may help: A 2023 Cochrane review of 26 trials in 11,952 people with AMD found people taking antioxidant vitamins were less likely to progress to late AMD (moderate-certainty evidence), with most of the evidence from the original AREDS trial. The National Eye Institute says special supplements may keep intermediate AMD from becoming late AMD.
How to apply it: Ask an eye doctor whether it applies to you; the exact formulation matters and should be chosen by them.
Who it may suit: Only people already diagnosed with intermediate AMD (or late AMD in one eye) under eye care. Not for general use.
Precautions: Not for people without AMD. Check supplements against your medicines with a pharmacist.
14,8Lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 supplements added to AMD care
Low certaintyAddresses: Did not clearly slow progression to advanced AMD in the main trial analysis
Why it may help: In AREDS2 (4,203 people aged 50 to 85 at risk of advanced AMD, median follow-up 5 years), adding lutein plus zeaxanthin or omega-3 fats did not produce a statistically significant reduction in progression to advanced AMD in the primary analyses. A Cochrane review of two trials (2,343 people with AMD) found no evidence that omega-3 supplements changed progression, with high-quality evidence.
How to apply it: Do not start these hoping to protect your eyes. Discuss with an eye doctor if you have AMD.
Who it may suit: People with AMD who are asking about extras.
Precautions: Omega-3 supplements can interact with blood thinners; check with a pharmacist.
15,16Time outdoors for children's short-sightedness
Moderate certaintyAddresses: Associated with lower risk of developing myopia in children
Why it may help: A meta-analysis found a protective effect of outdoor time on incident myopia in clinical trials and cohort studies, mostly in children. It sits outside the main focus on older adults but is a vision habit families can use.
How to apply it: Encourage regular outdoor play for children, with sun protection.
Who it may suit: Children and their parents.
Precautions: It does not replace eye tests for children. Use shade and sun protection.
13Food & nutrition
Eating for eye health
The National Eye Institute recommends plenty of dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale and collards, and fish rich in omega-3s such as salmon, tuna or halibut, as part of keeping your eyes healthy. For AMD it lists leafy green vegetables and fish among healthy foods that may help. No single food is proven to prevent eye disease, and these are general healthy-eating recommendations.
A balanced diet also helps control diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol, which protects the eyes indirectly.
- Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, collards)
- Fish rich in omega-3s (salmon, tuna, halibut)
- Foods that fit a heart-healthy, blood-sugar-friendly pattern
Dry eye and nutrients
The National Eye Institute lists low vitamin A or omega-3 intake among risk factors for dry eye; omega-3 fats are found in fish, walnuts and vegetable oils. It also suggests drinking plenty of water and sleeping about 7 to 8 hours a night as part of dry eye self-care. We did not find in that source a statement that omega-3 supplements treat dry eye.
5Remedies & supplements
Traditional use, laboratory findings and human trials are kept apart. "Natural" does not mean safe.
AREDS-type vitamin and mineral formulation
Moderate certaintyStudied form and route: Oral supplement chosen with an eye doctor
Intended outcome: May reduce progression of intermediate AMD to late AMD
Human evidence: A 2023 Cochrane review of 26 trials (11,952 people with AMD) found moderate-certainty evidence that antioxidant vitamins lowered progression to late AMD, mostly from the AREDS trial.
Traditional use: Not a traditional remedy; developed through clinical trials.
Limits: The evidence applies to people with AMD, not to prevention in healthy eyes. Most participants were aged 65 to 75.
Interactions and precautions: Take only on eye-doctor advice. Check interactions and total vitamin and mineral intake with a pharmacist.
14,8Lutein and zeaxanthin
Low certaintyStudied form and route: Oral supplement
Intended outcome: No clear slowing of progression to advanced AMD in the main trial analysis
Human evidence: In AREDS2, adding lutein plus zeaxanthin did not give a statistically significant reduction in progression to advanced AMD in the primary analyses (hazard ratio 0.90, not significant).
Traditional use: None relevant found.
Limits: The trial was in people at high risk of advanced AMD, so results do not tell us about healthy eyes.
Interactions and precautions: Talk with an eye doctor before taking it if you have AMD.
15Omega-3 fatty acid supplements
Evidence againstStudied form and route: Oral fish-oil type supplement
Intended outcome: No benefit shown for AMD progression
Human evidence: A Cochrane review of two trials (2,343 people with AMD) found no evidence of a change in progression to advanced AMD (pooled hazard ratio 0.96), with high-quality evidence.
Traditional use: None relevant found.
Limits: Evidence for dry eye is not covered by this review.
Interactions and precautions: May interact with blood thinners; ask a pharmacist.
16,15Artificial tears and moisturising gels
Low certaintyStudied form and route: Over-the-counter eye drops, gels or ointments
Intended outcome: Comfort for mild dry eye
Human evidence: The National Eye Institute describes over-the-counter artificial tears as the most common treatment for mild dry eye.
Traditional use: None relevant found.
Limits: We did not find trial data in the sources we read. They ease symptoms and do not treat underlying disease.
Interactions and precautions: Tell your doctor if dryness interferes with daily life or persists: severe untreated dry eye can sometimes damage the cornea. Persistent redness, pain or light sensitivity needs an eye exam.
5Therapies & care
Established eye care is part of maintaining vision. This section describes it in general terms; an eye doctor decides what is right for you, and prescribed eye drops or other treatments should not be stopped without their advice.
Comprehensive dilated eye exam and glasses
Moderate certaintyProfessional eye check The doctor widens your pupils to look inside the eye and checks for glaucoma, AMD, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and refractive errors including presbyopia. Glasses or contact lenses can correct focusing problems.
Who it may suit: All adults at the intervals an eye doctor advises.
Precautions: Vision may be blurry and light-sensitive for a few hours afterwards, so arrange transport.
12,2Cataract surgery
High certaintySurgery The cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial one, usually as a day case under local anaesthetic. The National Eye Institute says it is safe and corrects vision problems caused by cataracts; NHS says recovery is quick and serious complications are rare. If both eyes are affected, they are treated on separate days.
Who it may suit: People whose cataracts affect daily life, as decided with an eye specialist.
Precautions: There may be a wait for treatment. Ask about driving rules in your country. A second-eye surgery trial in women over 70 found better visual disability scores, and a 32% lower rate of falling that was not statistically significant.
3,4,17Glaucoma treatment
High certaintyPrescription drops, laser or surgery The National Eye Institute describes prescription eye drops as the most common approach, with laser treatment or surgery if needed. Treatment cannot reverse existing damage but can prevent further loss.
Who it may suit: People diagnosed with glaucoma.
Precautions: Use prescribed drops as directed and report side effects; do not stop them without advice. Keep regular check-ups.
7Low vision rehabilitation
Moderate certaintySupport and training A specialist can teach you to use magnifiers and device settings, arrange your home safely and cope with vision loss. Brighter lighting and anti-glare sunglasses can also help.
Who it may suit: People whose vision loss cannot be fixed with standard glasses, contact lenses or treatment.
Precautions: Ask your eye doctor about referral.
11What to avoid
Habits, products and claims that can get in the way. Never stop a prescribed medicine without talking to the professional who prescribed it.
Risks that apply to most people
Smoking
Moderate certaintyWhy: The National Eye Institute lists smoking as a risk factor for AMD and cataracts and says it can harm the optic nerve.
Who it applies to: Everyone, including long-time smokers, who can still gain from stopping.
Try instead: Ask a clinician about stop-smoking support.
1,8,3Skipping eye exams because your sight seems fine
Moderate certaintyWhy: Glaucoma usually causes no symptoms early, early dry AMD usually causes none, and early diabetic retinopathy usually causes none.
Who it applies to: Especially people over 60, with diabetes or high blood pressure, or with a family history.
Try instead: Schedule a dilated exam at the interval your eye doctor advises.
12,7,9,8Personal triggers to check
Poorly controlled blood sugar
Moderate certaintyWhy: Blood sugar outside a healthy range is the main modifiable risk for diabetic retinopathy.
Who it applies to: People with diabetes.
Try instead: Work with your care team on your own targets and keep yearly eye exams.
9Heavy sun exposure without eye protection
Low certaintyWhy: The National Eye Institute lists a lot of sun exposure as a risk factor for cataracts.
Who it applies to: Anyone outdoors for long periods, including on cloudy days.
Try instead: Wear UV-blocking sunglasses and a brimmed hat.
3,1Medicines that may dry the eyes, without telling your doctor
Low certaintyWhy: The National Eye Institute notes that a medicine taken for another condition can cause dry eye, and that a doctor may suggest switching.
Who it applies to: People with ongoing dry, gritty eyes who take regular medicines.
Try instead: Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the symptom. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own.
5Products that need caution
Contact lenses worn or cleaned carelessly
Low certaintyWhy: The National Eye Institute advises washing hands before inserting or removing lenses, and disinfecting and replacing lenses on schedule.
Who it applies to: Contact lens wearers.
Try instead: Follow the cleaning and replacement schedule from your eye care professional.
1Eye supplements taken without a diagnosis
Not enough evidenceWhy: The supplement evidence is in people who already have intermediate AMD. The National Eye Institute describes the supplements in that setting only.
Who it applies to: People without AMD who buy eye vitamins as a precaution.
Try instead: Get an eye exam first; if AMD is found, ask the eye doctor about supplements.
8,14Unsupported claims
"Omega-3 supplements prevent or slow macular degeneration"
Evidence againstWhy: A Cochrane review of two trials found no evidence that omega-3 supplements decreased or increased progression to advanced AMD, and AREDS2 found no significant benefit in its primary analyses.
Who it applies to: Supplement marketing for eye health.
Try instead: Eat fish as part of a healthy diet if you like it, and take eye care advice about AMD.
16,15"Blue-light glasses cure digital eye strain"
Mixed findingsWhy: A review of digital eye strain says that studies of blue light-filtering lenses have had mixed results, and lists screen breaks, correcting glasses and managing dry eye as management approaches.
Who it applies to: Online marketing of screen glasses.
Try instead: Take screen breaks, check your prescription and manage dryness.
6Common mistakes
Ignoring flashes, new floaters or a shadow in your vision
High certaintyWhy: These can be signs of retinal detachment, which the National Eye Institute calls a medical emergency; delayed treatment raises the risk of permanent vision loss.
Who it applies to: Anyone, particularly after eye surgery, injury, in severe short-sightedness or with diabetic retinopathy.
Try instead: Contact an eye doctor or an emergency department right away.
10Putting off a check for blurred, glary or dim vision
Low certaintyWhy: Cataracts can cause blurred vision, glare and trouble seeing at night. NHS says a GP or eye specialist can discuss surgery based on how cataracts affect daily life.
Who it applies to: People with blurred, glary or dim vision.
Try instead: See an optician; they can refer you to an eye specialist.
4,17Evidence & safety
What the research shows
National eye institutes agree on a short list: regular dilated exams, not smoking, controlling diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol, UV protection, safety eyewear and a healthy diet. The strongest trial evidence for a supplement is for AREDS-type formulations in people who already have intermediate AMD. Evidence is weak or negative for omega-3 supplements and for added lutein and zeaxanthin in AMD, and mixed for blue-light glasses.
Limits of the evidence
- Much lifestyle advice rests on observational research and institute guidance rather than trials that show it prevents eye disease.
- AMD supplement trials enrolled people with AMD, so they do not show protection for healthy eyes.
- We did not review every eye condition; this page focuses on common age-related ones.
- We could not re-read the National Institute on Aging falls page used by the older hearing-and-vision article, so its falls statements are not repeated here beyond the cataract surgery trial we checked.
Precautions and interactions
- Do not start or stop eye drops or other prescribed medicines without the prescriber.
- Check supplements with a pharmacist if you take medicines, especially blood thinners.
- Take eye-doctor advice before AMD supplements, since the formulation matters.
Life-stage considerations
- Older adults: more frequent exams are advised with age, diabetes or family history.
- Pregnancy: women with diabetes should have an eye exam as soon as possible; ask a clinician before taking supplements.
- Children: outdoor time is linked with less short-sightedness; children need eye tests from a clinician.
Warning signs
- Sudden loss of vision, a curtain or shadow, new flashes or a sudden shower of floaters.
- Eye pain with nausea, a red eye and blurred vision.
- Straight lines that look wavy, or a blank patch in central vision.
Claim checks
Eye vitamins protect everyone's eyesight
Not enough evidenceThe best evidence is for people with intermediate AMD under eye care; we did not find proof of benefit for general use in the sources we read.
14,8Omega-3 supplements slow macular degeneration
Evidence againstA Cochrane review found no change in progression, and AREDS2 found no significant benefit in its primary analyses.
16,15Blue-light filtering glasses treat digital eye strain
Mixed findingsResults are mixed; breaks, correct glasses and dry eye care are the better-supported steps.
6Cataract surgery is risky and best avoided
High certaintyThe National Eye Institute says it is safe and corrects cataract-related vision problems, and NHS says serious complications are rare. Whether surgery suits you is a decision with an eye specialist.
3,4Questions people ask
How often should I have my eyes checked?
The National Eye Institute suggests a comprehensive dilated eye exam every 1 to 2 years if you are over 60, are African American and over 40, or have a family history of glaucoma. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, most people need one at least once a year. Your eye doctor will advise on your own timing.
Why do I need a dilated exam if I see fine?
Many eye diseases have no symptoms or warning signs early on. Dilation lets the doctor look inside the eye for glaucoma, AMD and diabetic retinopathy.
Is it normal to need reading glasses after 45?
Yes. The National Eye Institute describes presbyopia as a normal part of aging. It usually appears after about age 45 and generally stops progressing around 65.
Do eye vitamins work?
For people with intermediate AMD, a Cochrane review found moderate-certainty evidence that antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements lowered progression to late AMD. We did not find evidence that they protect healthy eyes, and omega-3 supplements did not change AMD progression.
Is cataract surgery safe?
The National Eye Institute says it is safe and corrects vision problems caused by cataracts, and about 9 out of 10 people see better afterwards. NHS says serious complications are rare.
What are the signs of a retinal detachment?
A sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light and a dark shadow or curtain across part of your vision. The National Eye Institute calls it a medical emergency: contact an eye doctor or go to an emergency department right away.
Can glaucoma be cured?
No. The National Eye Institute says there is no cure, but early treatment can often stop further damage. Treatment cannot reverse damage already done, which is why finding it early matters.
Do screens damage my eyes?
Digital eye strain is common and usually temporary. We did not find evidence in the sources we read that screens cause permanent eye disease. Breaks, a correct prescription and managing dry eye help.
What can I do if my vision cannot be fully corrected?
Ask your eye doctor about low vision rehabilitation. The National Eye Institute describes training with magnifiers, device settings, home arrangement and brighter lighting.
References
- National Eye Institute. Keep your eyes healthy. Read 2026-11-01. source
- National Eye Institute. Presbyopia. Read 2026-11-01. source
- National Eye Institute. Cataracts. Read 2026-11-01. source
- NHS. Cataracts. Read 2026-11-01. source
- National Eye Institute. Dry eye. Read 2026-11-01. source
- Sheppard AL, Wolffsohn JS. Digital eye strain: prevalence, measurement and amelioration. BMJ Open Ophthalmol. 2018;3(1):e000146. source
- National Eye Institute. Glaucoma. Read 2026-11-01. source
- National Eye Institute. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Read 2026-11-01. source
- National Eye Institute. Diabetic retinopathy. Read 2026-11-01. source
- National Eye Institute. Retinal detachment. Read 2026-11-01. source
- National Eye Institute. Low vision. Read 2026-11-01. source
- National Eye Institute. Get a dilated eye exam. Read 2026-11-01. source
- Xiong S, et al. Time spent in outdoor activities in relation to myopia prevention and control: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Acta Ophthalmol. 2017;95(6):551-566. source
- Evans JR, Lawrenson JG. Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023;9:CD000254. source
- Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Research Group. Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the AREDS2 randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2013;309(19):2005-2015. source
- Lawrenson JG, Evans JR. Omega 3 fatty acids for preventing or slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(4):CD010015. source
- Foss AJ, et al. Falls and health status in elderly women following second eye cataract surgery: a randomised controlled trial. Age Ageing. 2006;35(1):66-71. source
Related on AlternativeMed
Related goals
Hearing and vision changes with age (maintain your hearing health) → Reduce your risk of falls → Make your home safer and easier to use → Maintain your everyday independence → Review medicines and supplements safely → Keep up with preventive care → Get support to stop smoking or vaping → Support healthy blood pressure →
Ingredients, foods and supplements
Supplements for healthy aging →
Research, safety and claim-check resources
Healthy aging: warning signs and when to get help → Healthy aging research and evidence → Medication interactions →