Vision: Two ways to keep eyesight sharp into older age

Your eyesight doesn’t have to fail as you grow older.  Researchers have discovered two simple things you can do to protect your sight well into old age, and ward off the worst effects of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

After reviewing the lifestyles and vision of 4,753 participants aged 65 and over, researchers found that those who took antioxidant supplements such as vitamins A, C and E – and who kept out of direct sunlight - were more likely to have good sight as they grew older.

AMD is a common problem among the elderly, and it has been regarded as a natural consequence of aging, but the researchers have found that those with high levels of antioxidants were up to four times less likely to develop the problem.  The researchers also recommend people to either wear sunglasses when there is a strong sun, or to stay in the shade, as this may also help protect good eyesight.

(Source: Archives of Ophthalmology, 2008; 126: 1396-1403).