4 Tricks to Improve Eyesight and Keep Vision Sharp as You Age

Whether you have 20/20 vision or reach for your glasses before getting out of bed, sight is the sense 82 percent of us most want to protect. And preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is key! AMD, a disease that blurs central vision, is the most common cause of vision loss, impacting up to 11 million people over 50. But studies show it can be avoided with these four easy tips to improve eyesight.

Savor an omelet.

Yum! That omelet you enjoyed for breakfast does wonders to improve eyesight. Compounds called lutein and zeaxanthin that abound in egg yolks provide powerful protection for the retina of the eye and its light-sensing macula. In fact, Australian scientists found eating 2 to 4 eggs weekly reduced participants’ odds of AMD by up to 62 percent. Other rich sources of this nutrient duo include spinach, broccoli, and asparagus.

Boost this vitamin.

Cutting the risk of AMD by up to 48 percent is as easy as taking 600 to 800 IU of vitamin D daily. University of Buffalo researchers say the vitamin defends against harmful inflammation while combatting the formation of abnormal blood vessels in the retina that can leak and cause damage. Note: Check with a doctor before supplementing.

Walk while you talk.

Try pacing the floor while on the phone. Scientists at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health found that people who took daily walk breaks were 30 percent less likely to develop AMD. Study author Ronald Klein, MD, says even short bouts of exercise ease inflammation and visionhampering oxidative stress.

Sip orange juice.

Go ahead and enjoy a glass of fresh orange juice. Natural chemicals called flavonoids that give oranges their bright color nourish the eyes to keep vision sharp. In a recent Australian study, AMD risk dropped by 65 percent in folks who drank a cup of OJ daily.

This story originally appeared on our sister site, Woman’s World.