40 is when your eyes will definately start aging

By the age of 40, many people may begin coping with vision problems they didn't have before. These might include dry eyes and presbyopia, or an inability to focus on objects that are close up, and can leave people feeling fatigued and headachy by the end of the workday. Genetics largely determines how our eyes age. But new research suggests that nutrition and environment can lessen some of the risks to eye health and vision.

As people get older, the lens of the eye gradually loses the ability to focus in and out the way it used to. Some people refuse to wear reading glasses but it is inevitable for everybody.

While we can't win against Mother Nature, some strategies can minimize the damage. Avoid self-prescribing with off-the-shelf reading glasses sold at drugstores. People often select glasses that appear to make things clearest. But this may be a stronger prescription than they really need, which can encourage their loss of focus to go faster. Also, glasses you need for reading may be different than ones you need when using a computer.

Scientists have been studying ways to prevent vision problems in young people, which also might help protect eyes as they age. Studies suggest that spending time outdoors may help minimize or prevent nearsightedness, or myopia, in children. Myopia can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. But it can also be a precursor to severe myopia in adulthood, which is linked to the later development of eye disorders such as glaucoma and retinal detachment.

Too much time staring at electronic screens has given rise to another problem: computer-vision syndrome. To relax the eyes, some experts recommend that for every 20 minutes spent staring at a computer, people should take a break for 20 seconds and look at least 20 feet away, ideally out a window.

Tips for All Ages

• People who wear contacts should see an eye specialist yearly.
• Get more frequent eye exams if you are diabetic or prediabetic.
• Regular exercise promotes blood circulation and oxygen intake important for eye health.
• Wear sunglasses—look for eyesun protection factor between 25 and 50—when outside in the sun.
• Rest up: During sleep, eyes are continuously lubricated and clear out irritants such as dust, allergens and smoke that accumulate during the day.

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