Seeing Clearly After 50: An FDN Approach to Better Eye Health
If you’ve noticed that your vision isn’t what it used to be—reading glasses creeping into every room, trouble driving at night, or dry, tired eyes—you’re not alone.
After 50, changes in eyesight are common. But from a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN) perspective, vision loss is not just “inevitable aging.”
It’s a sign of deeper imbalances in the body—imbalances we can identify and support naturally.
Why Eye Health Declines After 50
The eyes are one of the most nutrient-hungry organs in the body. They rely on a steady supply of oxygen, antioxidants, minerals, and healthy circulation. With age, several factors converge:
Oxidative stress damages delicate eye tissues like the macula and lens.
Blood sugar imbalances (even mild ones) stiffen proteins in the eye, contributing to conditions like cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.
Mineral depletion (especially zinc, magnesium, and copper) compromises retinal health and circulation.
Poor gut health impairs nutrient absorption, leaving the eyes undernourished.
In FDN, we don’t just look at the eyes—we look at the whole system.
Testing: What Labs Reveal
Before jumping into supplements, we want to test, not guess. Here are some of the most telling labs for vision support:
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA): Highlights mineral imbalances (zinc, copper, magnesium, selenium) that impact retinal function. Check out my Fix Your Hormones and Fight Fatigue Program.
Blood sugar markers (glucose, insulin, HbA1c): Reveal hidden dysregulation that accelerates vision decline.
GI Map or stool testing: Identifies whether poor gut health is blocking absorption of key eye nutrients like vitamin A and carotenoids.
With these insights, we can create a targeted plan for both eye health and overall vitality.
Nutrition for Clearer Vision
When it comes to eyesight, food really is medicine. Some key players:
Carotenoids (Lutein + Zeaxanthin): Found in leafy greens, squash, and eggs. They concentrate in the macula, protecting against blue light and oxidative stress.
Astaxanthin: A super-antioxidant in salmon and shrimp that improves visual acuity and reduces eye fatigue.
Vitamin A (Retinol): Critical for night vision; found in liver, cod liver oil, and pastured eggs.
Vitamin C & E + Zinc: Nutrients that make up the AREDS2 formula, clinically proven to slow age-related macular degeneration.
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA): Support tear film and retinal health. Best sources: wild-caught fish or a quality fish oil supplement.
Lifestyle & Environmental Support
Healthy eyes aren’t just about what you eat—they also need the right daily practices:
Hydration: Dry eyes are often dehydration + electrolyte imbalance in disguise.
Screen management: Reduce blue light strain with filters or glasses.
Eye exercises: Shifting focus between near and far helps eye muscles stay strong.
Sunlight: Natural light exposure regulates circadian rhythm, which supports melatonin—a protector of retinal cells.
Stress management: High cortisol dysregulates blood sugar and increases oxidative stress, directly impacting eyesight.
Supplements That Support Vision (General, Not Personalized)
Lutein + Zeaxanthin complex
Astaxanthin
Omega-3 fish oil (high EPA/DHA)
Magnesium glycinate or malate
Bilberry extract (improves circulation to the retina)
Trace minerals (zinc, copper, selenium for antioxidant support)
Remember: Supplements work best when guided by functional labs and paired with foundational nutrition.
The FDN Takeaway
If you want to protect or even improve your eyesight after 50, don’t just think “eye drops and stronger glasses.” Think about your whole-body health: minerals, blood sugar, gut health, circulation, and oxidative stress. Your eyes are simply a reflection of what’s happening inside.
When you take a root-cause approach, you’re not only supporting clearer vision—you’re also building a healthier brain, better energy, and stronger resilience as you age.
✨ Want to dig deeper? I use labs like HTMA to uncover hidden imbalances that affect not just eyesight, but your energy, hormones, and long-term health. If you’d like to learn more, take my free hormone quiz or reach out for details on functional lab testing.
