 (Alla Dreyvitser/The Washington Post) | Bold School Lesson 5: When your vision gets weaker, strengthen your sense of styleWhen I was 47, I found myself pushing the computer away on my desk to make it easier to read emails and articles. The farther back it was, the better I could see. Eventually, it was pushed back so far that I couldn't reach the keyboard. My eye doctor told me I needed reading glasses. I disagreed. But as the doctor changed the settings on the phoropter (the machine used to change lenses) that allowed me to see the tiny type, I knew I had crossed over to middle age. Typically after we hit 45, our eyes start to gradually lose the ability to focus on close-up objects, a condition called presbyopia. By our 50s or 60s, almost everyone experiences blurry near vision, although distance vision usually remains the same. At first, I was resistant to wear my store-bought glasses. And not the least because without them, I looked really lovely in the soft focus on my makeup mirror. But eight years later, I have gone from a 1.0 to a 2.0. And I have embraced readers as not only a necessity, but as a fashion accessory. "You can choose a frame that's classic and pairs nicely with most anything. Or you can have multiple frames that complement different styles: something that's fun and sporty, something that's all-business, something that's a little bit glamorous," Washington Post fashion critic Robin Givhan told me. Our declining vision is one of the most undeniable signs of aging. You may have trouble adjusting or focusing in low light. Or driving may become more difficult at night. But adjusting for seeing close up affects those over 50 the most. I buy most of my readers at the drugstore but lately have been checking out frames from eyebobs.com and readers.com. Cheap is okay, but dowdy is not. Hip glasses are a fast way to update your look for both men and women. I find the inexpensive glasses don't last as long; the frames break or the lenses scratch more easily. If you go to a drugstore to try on readers, try these things: Grab a greeting card to read and see how the strength holds up. (If this makes you self-conscious, don't choose a card that sings.) Wiggle your head to see if the glasses fall off or seem unsteady. Use the mirror to see how the glasses look on you or, better yet, ask another shopper or the pharmacist what they think. The latest trend in glasses — for both younger and older — are blue-light glasses, recommended because of the increased amounts of blue light coming from televisions, computers and smartphones. This new source of light hasn't been around long enough to know for certain all the long term effects, said Rachel Cohn, optometrist and owner of Wink Eyecare Boutique in Potomac, Md. "We do know that it can cause eyestrain and interfere with our sleep/wake schedule (circadian rhythm)," she said. "Studies also suggest that, over time, blue light can damage retinal cells and increase our risk for macular degeneration," although older people may be less at risk, since they haven't grown up with digital devices. At any age, keep your eyes healthy by: - Protecting your eyes from ultraviolet light with sunglasses. Look for UV protection on the label — and always wear them outside.
- Scheduling yearly eye exams to help detect cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome and diabetic eye disease.
- Not smoking. The chemicals can irritate your eyes and lead to problems with cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Following a diet that is rich in green, leafy vegetables, yellow and orange fruit and whole grains has been shown to lower the risk of macular degeneration, Dr. Cohn suggests.
And keep styling! Glasses "are unique in that they are functional accessories. They're sitting there right in the middle of your face. Many people have to wear them every single day," as Givhan noted, herself the proud wearer of bold specs. "They influence how you feel about yourself and how others see you." Your assignmentCollect all your reading glasses and recycle those that don't thrill you. You can recycle them at Lions Club Recycle for Sight program. Place the rest in strategic spots so you always have a pair handy. If that means there's always a pair on top of your head, well, just embrace it. Tell us How have diminishing senses — hearing, vision, taste, smell — affected your life? What adjustments have you made as a result? Submit your response to be featured in Friday's newsletter here. Reading listApples keep you healthy, carrots help your eyes: What science says about such folk remedies What to order when you're buying new (and pricey!) eyeglasses Women in Japan were told not to wear glasses to work. Their response has been fiery. Here's how to protect your vision as you age Curious about Warby Parker glasses? Try them on using augmented reality. Eyeglasses can be expensive. Discounters and online merchants may be a good option. More from around the web 13 actually good-looking blue-light-blocking glasses you can buy on Amazon | The Strategist The most stylish reading glasses of the year | Forbes Never use your glasses again with this wearable tracker | Fast Company I wore blue-light- blocking glasses every day for a week — here's what I learned | Good Housekeeping Can you train your brain to not need reading glasses? | The New York Times | 
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