The Connection Between Clear Vision and Cognitive Health

Most of us rely on our vision every day, whether we’re driving, reading, or simply enjoying time with loved ones. But what many people don’t realize is that eye health is not just about seeing clearly, it’s also deeply connected to your overall well-being, especially your brain health.

Neuro-ophthalmologist, Dr. Christine Greer, MD, MS, explains how vision problems can impact everything from memory to safety, and offers practical steps you can take to protect your eyes, and your mind, as you age.

Why Eye Health Matters More Than You Think

Your vision plays a central role in your quality of life. From preventing falls to maintaining social connection, good eye health is linked to both physical and cognitive wellness.

“Having good vision reduces the risk of falls in older individuals and keeps you engaged with the world,” says Dr. Greer. “It can really improve the quality of life for people in their later years.”

In fact, research shows that poor vision can significantly increase your risk for cognitive issues. Individuals with untreated vision problems face:

• A 9x higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease
• A 5x higher risk of cognitive impairment
• Lower memory scores compared to those who maintain healthy vision

In fact, cataract surgery has been shown to boost memory scores and even increase brain volume in some individuals.

Habits That Support Lifelong Eye Health

Beyond your annual eye exam, there are several simple things you can do to keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp:

• Use lubricating eye drops to prevent dryness
• Apply warm compresses to soothe tired or irritated eyes
• Stay hydrated and get consistent sleep
• Take eye-specific vitamins that include antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin
• Wear sunglasses, especially in sunny climates, to protect against UV damage that can lead to macular degeneration and cataracts

“UV light increases your risk of macular degeneration and cataract formation,” says Dr. Greer. “Sunglasses are an easy, effective way to protect your vision.”

The Most Common Age-Related Eye Conditions

As we get older, certain eye conditions become more common, but early intervention can make a huge difference.

Dry Eye

Dry eye is one of the most frequent complaints in older adults and can cause blurry vision, irritation, and a gritty feeling.

If over-the-counter lubricating drops don’t bring relief, talk to your eye doctor. “There are prescription medications that help your eye produce its own natural tears,” says Dr. Greer.

Cataracts

Cataracts develop when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, often due to aging, smoking, diabetes, or certain medications like steroids.

Symptoms can include:

• Blurry vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Faded colors
• Increased sensitivity to light

“If you have a cataract that is viewed to be problematic and affecting your daily activities, then you would require a surgery,” says Dr. Greer. Fortunately, cataract surgery is a routine outpatient procedure with minimal downtime.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and typically affects peripheral (side) vision first. Because it progresses slowly and often without symptoms, many people don’t know they have it.

“Most individuals who have early glaucoma do not know,” says Dr. Greer. “That's why it’s so important to get regular eye exams.”

When caught early, glaucoma can often be managed with medicated eye drops that lower eye pressure and slow the disease’s progression.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration affects the central part of the retina and can make tasks like reading and driving more difficult. The condition can start as minor visual changes and progress to missing spots in your central vision.

There are two forms:

• Dry macular degeneration: causes gradual changes and is more common
• Wet macular degeneration: involves bleeding from abnormal blood vessels and can progress rapidly

“Thankfully, there are treatments for that and we can use medicines to prevent the bleeding from getting worse or to cure the bleeding,” says Dr. Greer.

The Bottom Line

Your eyes are more than a window to the world, they're closely tied to your overall health, especially as you age. Vision issues can increase the risk of falls, impact your independence, and even accelerate cognitive decline.

But the good news is, many eye conditions can be prevented or managed with regular care and a few daily habits. Staying proactive about your eye health can help you protect your vision, preserve your brain health, and maintain your quality of life well into your later years.

To learn more about the connection between eye health and brain health, watch our full conversation with Dr. Christine Greer in the video above.

By Alicia J. Barber, PhD