How to Prevent and Address Declining Vision in Old Age
The original page offers the following methods:
Warm-towel method: Each morning while washing, soak a towel in water of about 50°C, leave it damp enough to retain warmth, fold it over the forehead and eye sockets, tilt the head slightly back and close the eyes gently for one to two minutes. Repeat daily.
Covering with the hands: Close the eyes lightly and cover them with warmed hands, fingers on the forehead and palms over the cheekbones, for about five minutes when the eyes are tired.
Looking around the window corners: Look in order at the four corners of a window, beginning at the upper left, blinking several times at each corner. Repeat five times, close the eyes for several seconds and then reverse direction.
Looking into the distance: After reading, writing or desk work for one to two hours, rest for five to ten minutes and focus on distant scenery—preferably green trees or hills—to help the eyes adapt to different distances. Alternatively, close the eyes for five minutes.
Blinking often: After long visual concentration, blink frequently or close the eyes to relax them. The article describes blinking as a massage that moistens the eye and suggests drawing the eyebrows together when closing the eyes firmly.
Minimize medicines that affect vision where possible: The page lists antidepressants and medicines used for malaria, connective-tissue disease and weight reduction as examples that may affect vision to varying degrees. Medication should never be stopped without professional advice.
Eat foods described as beneficial to the eyes: It recommends foods rich in vitamin A, carotene and other vitamins, including milk, eggs, animal liver, lean meat, peanuts, carrots, corn, pumpkin, tomatoes and green vegetables.
Obtain sufficient sleep: The original suggestion is seven to eight hours at night and a half-hour to one-hour nap at noon.
Protect eyes from sunlight: Long exposure can damage the cornea, lens and retina. People working outdoors for long periods are advised to wear a sun hat and sunglasses.