Good news! You can do something to prevent cataracts and macular degeneration, two of the most common eye conditions in seniors.

The bad news is that you need to start early in the prevention program. To that end, you should all make note of two recent studies. The first found a 37% reduction in cataracts in women (the same thing would very likely apply to men, too) who ate a “healthy” diet, which is the same old, same old: lots of veggies and fruits, lots of healthy oils, lots of whole grains and beans, some fish, some dairy, not too much meat and not too much salt.

The second study found a significant increased risk of age-related macular degeneration in elderly smokers (not much of a shock, I know) and a protective effect of higher HDL levels. HDL is the so-called “good” cholesterol, which can be raised by exercise – and perhaps by taking extra niacin, although that’s something that should be discussed either with the family doctor or your pharmacist.