I have been wearing glasses since I was in the third grade. I can’t remember a time when reading wasn’t my favorite thing to do. Even today, with so many books available on audio, I still prefer to pick up a hard copy and thumb through the pages. There’s something about feeling the weight and the texture of the paper, the act of flipping through them that seems to ground me.
Recently, however, I’ve noticed a change in the pace of my reading.
Teresa and I had to read a book to prepare for an upcoming interview with an author. The book was small, just slightly over 100 pages. I was to read it first and then pass it along to Teresa. With such a short book, I assumed I’d breeze through it in a day or two. But as the deadline I’d set approached, I realized I was falling noticeably behind the schedule I set.
The book was well-written and easy to understand, so I couldn’t blame the material. It finally dawned on me—it wasn’t the book. It was me. Or, more precisely, it was the fact that I’m getting older.
In the past, a book of that size would have been a quick and thoughtful read, even with note-taking and reflection. Now, my pace is slower, and it takes more time to absorb material. Aging is a natural part of life, but it does remind us to be intentional about preserving our health—including our vision.
Here are some tips to help maintain eye health and keep your vision sharp as we age:
Regular Eye Exams: Schedule yearly eye exams to monitor changes in vision and catch any potential issues early. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, adults over 40 should have a baseline eye exam, as this is when early signs of age-related conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration can appear. (American Academy of Ophthalmology)
Protect Your Eyes from Blue Light: Prolonged exposure to screens can lead to digital eye strain. Use blue light-blocking glasses or enable the night mode setting on your devices. The Vision Council recommends following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. (The Vision Council)
Adopt a Vision-Healthy Diet: Incorporate foods rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. These nutrients are known to support eye health and may reduce the risk of age-related vision issues. Leafy greens, fish, nuts, and citrus fruits are excellent choices. (National Eye Institute)
Aging is inevitable, but with intentional care and proactive habits, we can continue to enjoy our favorite activities—like reading—well into the future.
Lou
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