5 ways to protect your eyesight as you age, as drivers over 70 face regular eye tests
The government is preparing to unveil a radical new road safety strategy that could see motorists over 70 banned from driving if they fail compulsory eye tests.
According to a report by The Times, elderly drivers may soon face eye tests every three years under new driving rules, which are due to be published in the autumn.
The proposals, developed by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, come as stats reveal the number of older motorists involved in serious or fatal collisions increased by 12% between the years 2004 and 2023.
Having good eyesight is an important part of being healthy, but many of us tend to take our eyes for granted, putting them last on the list of priorities.
These highly complex organs are some of the most vulnerable in the body, thanks to the fact that they’re outward-facing and a focus point for harmful UV light from the sun.
If you’re keen to protect your eyesight as you age, here are five easy ways to guard against common issues like glaucoma and cataracts and maintain your vision in the process.
How to protect your eyesight
Shop for sun-safe sunglasses
If there’s one incredibly simple thing you can do to keep your eyes from harm, it’s to invest in a pair of quality sunglasses.
According to the Met Office, our eyes are up to 10 times more sensitive to UV damage than our skin – yet few of us think about wearing eye protection in the same way we do high-factor SPF.
Unlike some cheap and cheerful frames, sunglasses that block ultraviolet radiation can prevent the sun’s harsh rays from causing long-term damage such as cataracts, where the lens gradually clouds and your vision becomes blurry, and macular degeneration, where the central part of your vision fades.
When shopping for a sun-safe pair, look for a sticker or tag that promises 100% UV protection from all types of UV light. In the UK, you can tell whether sunglasses offer a high level of protection by checking if the frame feature the ‘CE’ symbol or UV400 mark.
Quit smoking
According to the charity Age UK, being a regular smoker increases the risk of the following age-related eye issues:
As well as putting you at risk of long-term vision troubles, cigarette smoke can also irritate the eyes and cause redness and dryness.
It goes without saying that quitting smoking is easily one of best things you can do for your health. Not only is tobacco smoke linked to long-term eye issues, but it also brings a higher risk of cancer, heart attack and stroke for both men and women.
Going cold turkey without support can be difficult though, so speak to your GP, who can help you choose the right stop-smoking treatments, from prescription-only medicines and talking therapies to nicotine replacement patches.
Smoking puts you at increased risk for developing cataracts as you age. (Image: Getty)
Top up on eye-related vitamins
If there’s one vitamin that’s famous for its role in keeping your eyes protected from harm, it’s vitamin A.
Playing an important role in vision, it’s converted into retinol in the body, which is a key part of rhodopsin – one of the proteins found in the rods of the eyes’ retina. Good dietary sources include yellow, red and green leafy vegetables, like spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes and red peppers.
Vitamin C has also long been held as a powerhouse in protecting your eye health, particularly as it’s an antioxidant.
Antioxidants can help protect your eyes against damaging free radicals, which is why you may find eyecare professionals talking about the ‘ACE’ combination – three key vitamins that provide a powerful protective effect.
Vitamin C deficiency, in particular, has been linked to damage of the lens and the cornea, and the clouding that can occur if you have long periods of exposure to sunlight. To add more into your diet, toss kiwi fruits, berries and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons into your supermarket trolley.
Exercise regularly
By now, we already know that regular exercise is important for general longevity, but it could also have a knock-on effect on the quality of your vision in your later years too.
An animal-based study from the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine found that exercise can not only slow or prevent the development of macular degeneration, but it may benefit other common causes of vision loss, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
The study found that exercise reduced the harmful overgrowth of blood vessels, a key cause of eye issues, in the eyes of lab mice by up to 45%.
The NHS recommend adults do some type of physical activity every day, with at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week (think gentle cycling or gardening) or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity (like a HIIT class or running).
Adults over 60 are entitled to free eye tests on the NHS. (Getty Images)
Book an annual eye test
Like dental check-ups and mole screenings, regular eye exams are one of those things that often gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list.
But going to the optometrist should be a vital part of your overall health strategy, with the NHS urging all adults to get their eyes routinely checked every one to two years.
Not only do eye tests check you’re wearing the right glasses or contact lenses for your vision needs, but they can also catch and prevent the development of progressive eye conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma. They can even catch cancer.
Children under 16, those under 18 and in full-time education, and adults over 60 are entitled to free eye tests ion the NHS. You’re also eligible if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma, or are over 40 and have a history of glaucoma in your family.
Some people are also entitled to optical vouchers for help towards the cost of their glasses. To find out if you’re entitled, visit the NHS website.
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