Visual healthspan

visual healthspan

Visual healthspan is the length of time a person enjoys clear, useful vision during their life. Instead of focusing only on how long someone lives, it focuses on how long they can see well enough to read, drive, work, and enjoy everyday activities. Good vision supports independence, social connection, and mental well-being, so keeping vision sharp affects quality of life as much as overall health. Many things influence visual healthspan, including genetics, age, chronic conditions such as diabetes, and everyday choices like smoking or diet. Protecting eyes from ultraviolet light, eating foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and maintaining healthy blood sugar and blood pressure all help preserve vision. Regular eye exams are important because they can find problems early when treatment is most effective, delaying or preventing serious damage. Reducing screen glare, wearing appropriate corrective lenses, and managing overall fitness and weight can also support eye health. Some vision changes are inevitable with age, but many causes of vision loss are preventable or treatable, so proactive care matters. Thinking about visual healthspan encourages long-term habits that keep vision useful and enjoyable for as many years as possible.