Keeping the sparkle in your eyes

If you want to see clearly for years to come, then eat your veggies, quit smoking, and wear your sunglasses year-round.

BJC ACO you to know that an eye condition that can lead to blindness is increasing as baby boomers age. Called age-related macular degeneration, you can guard against this sight stealer by choosing glasses that filter 99-100 percent of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

What's on your plate can also help your vision. Make a habit of eating fruits and veggies rich in lutein and zeaxanthin.  Corn and dark, leafy greens are good sources. Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc have been shown to protect eye health, too.

Finally, if you still smoke, this might help you quit: Lighting up more than 20 cigarettes a day doubles the risk of macular degeneration.