Do you find it hard to read the menu at a dimly lit restaurant? Or do you avoid driving at night due to your fading vision? What about squinting to read your book or daily newspaper? You are not alone. Studies indicate that a person’s vision remains close to “perfect”—20/20—only until their late 20s or early 30s. However, you can try these simple tips to help preserve your vision for years to come.

• Wear sunglasses anytime you are outdoors or driving. The effects of ultraviolet (UV) exposure may increase your risk of nearsightedness, adult macular degeneration (AMD) or other eye diseases.
• Invest in an antiglare screen filter. Repeated exposure to television or computer screens can place enormous stress on your eyes—and may lead to migraines.
• Exercising regularly may help you avoid and prevent diabetes. This blood sugar disorder is one of the main causes of vision loss and blindness.
• Add more greens to your diet. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, collard greens and dark lettuces contain powerful antioxidants that can help lower your risk of AMD and cataracts.
• Boost your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins E and C, beta-carotene and zinc. These nutrients may help decrease your chances of glaucoma by 64 percent.
• Get regular checkups. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, if you are over the age of 40, you should get screened to determine your course of exams. Seniors over the age of 65 should have complete eye exams every one or two years to check for cataracts, glaucoma, AMD, diabetic retinopathy and other eye conditions.