As we age, our eyes go through significant changes which can lead to a number of problems. From blurry vision to age-related macular degeneration, eye damage is a common problem among people over the age of 40.

Here are some tips to help you prevent eye damage and preserve your vision:.

1. Get Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining your eye health.

Your optometrist can detect any changes in your vision and prescribe corrective lenses, or identify early warning signs of eye diseases such as glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration.

2. Quit Smoking

The negative effects of smoking are well known, but few people are aware that smoking can cause eye damage. Smokers are at a higher risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases.

Quitting smoking can help prevent these problems and protect your vision.

3. Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

UV rays from the sun can damage your eyes, leading to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other problems. When spending time outdoors, wear sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV rays, and a hat to provide additional protection.

4. Use Proper Lighting

Proper lighting is important for reducing eyestrain and maintaining your vision. When reading or working on a computer, make sure the lighting is adequate for the task. Avoid working in dimly lit areas, which can put unnecessary stress on your eyes.

5. Practice Eye Exercises

Exercising your eyes can help keep them healthy and prevent eye strain. Some exercises include focusing on a distant object, rolling your eyes in a circular motion, or blinking rapidly for a few seconds.

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These exercises can be done throughout the day, and can help prevent eye fatigue and maintain your visual acuity.

6. Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet can help prevent a number of eye-related problems including cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Include foods that are high in vitamins A, C, E, and zinc, as well as omega-3 fatty acids.

Some of these foods include leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, and fish. Avoid processed foods, which can be high in fat, salt, and sugar, and can contribute to health problems like obesity and diabetes, which can increase your risk of developing eye diseases.

7. Manage Chronic Conditions

Chronic conditions like diabetes can affect your vision and increase your risk of developing eye diseases. If you have a chronic condition, work closely with your doctor to manage it and follow their recommendations for maintaining your eye health.

8. Take Breaks from Screens

Extended periods of screen time can cause eye strain and contribute to other problems like dry eyes and headaches.

To minimize these effects, take regular breaks from your screen, and use proper posture and positioning when using your computer or phone.

9. Avoid Eye Injuries

Injuries to the eyes can lead to serious damage and vision loss. Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities that could cause eye injuries.

Also, be careful when using tools like saws or hammers, which can cause flying debris that can damage your eyes.

10. Get Enough Sleep

A lack of sleep can cause a number of problems, including eye strain and dry eyes. Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night to keep your eyes healthy and rested.