Forty may be the new 30 for your eyes, and we’re not talking about what you may be thinking. When it comes to the appearance of the fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, many run out and purchase the latest quick-fix anti-aging solution, but unfortunately nobody can find a drugstore night cream to save vision. Failure to take precautions to help preserve eye health and prevent vision loss will cause many to experience declining vision sooner than they ever expected. According to the California Optometric Association, it is never too early to start protecting your most precious sense.  Vision loss happens gradually and is often imperceptible until it reaches a point of no return. “The first sign many people with undiagnosed macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and other conditions notice is blindness,” said San Diego optometrist Dr. Jennifer Tabibzadeh. “Early detection and intervention can keep your vision young.” The California Optometric Association offers specific tips to help preserve eye health and good vision at all ages:   20s and 30s Similar to other organs in the body, the eyes are generally healthy for people in their 20s and 30s. The majority of adults in this category can correct their vision problems by wearing corrective lenses, either contact lenses or eyeglasses. At this age, it’s important to start taking proactive steps to protect eyesight and vision in future years, such as: • Eat foods rich in six nutrients ? antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, essential fatty acids, vitamins C and E and the mineral zinc. Foods rich in these nutrients include broccoli, spinach, kale, corn, green beans, peas, oranges and tangerines. • Quit smoking to lower the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration and cataracts in the future. • Wear sunglasses during the daytime to protect against harmful UV radiation.   40s and 50s People often begin to notice vision changes around the age of 40, with a chief complaint being difficulty seeing while reading or doing close work. This condition, called Presbyopia, will continue to progress over time. Other vision changes include difficulty seeing at long distance, problems seeing in low light or at night, sensitivity to light and glare, and increased risk of dry eye for women after menopause. An optometrist will make sure you have a proper prescription while offering suggestions on how to ease other symptoms. • Be aware of any eye diseases that run in your family and discuss them with your optometrist. • Don’t settle for drugstore magnifying glasses. Invest in higher-quality reading glasses specifically tailored to your visual needs. Isn’t your vision worth it? • Don’t be embarrassed to discuss your general health with your optometrist.  Many medications have ocular side effects, especially those for anxiety, depression, arthritis, high cholesterol and thyroid conditions. • If you haven’t already committed to an exercise regimen, now is the time to do so to help keep overall health and vision in shape.   60s and beyond At this age, patients must be vigilant about seeing their optometrist to check for the onset of diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma. Many of these conditions have no early symptoms and develop painlessly but once they do, the vision loss is irreversible. • Visit your optometrist at least once a year at this age.  Depending on family history and risk factors, the doctor may recommend checkups more than once a year. • Report all changes in your general health to your optometrist.  Don’t accept declining visual acuity as just a part of aging. • If you value your sight and want to keep it throughout a long life, now is the time to develop good habits and establish a relationship with an optometrist. To find a nearby doctor of optometry, or for additional information on eye health, please visit www.eyehelp.org. — Phyllis Klein is a spokeswoman for the California Optometric Association (COA). Founded in 1899, COA is California’s oldest recognized organization for optometrists and represents more than 2,700 optometrists in the state.