Aging brings about a myriad of changes in a person’s body, and your vision is no exception. Your risk of eye-related problems, some very destructive, can increase significantly as you age. Retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and dry eye are all issues that can compromise your vision if you are over 60. Follow these five tips for a long life of great eye health.
Healthy Diet and Exercise
Throughout life it is important to keep your weight and diet under control, but as you age this becomes even more critical. Eating well will keep certain health conditions at bay as well as fueling the body with quality ingredients. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids help steer away cancers and other diseases. As an added bonus to fitness, exercise can substantially reduce your chances of macular degeneration.
Monitor Health Conditions
While cataracts and dry eye may seem inevitable consequences of aging, other manageable medical conditions can wreak havoc on your eye health. Diabetes and high blood pressure are two major culprits of disease-related eye damage. Keeping both in check can mean avoiding diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy, where the blood vessels in the retina are damaged. Retinopathy of either type can result in blindness.
Regular Eye Exams
Changes in your eyesight may seem to be a natural part of aging, but even subtle changes may be the early stages of a detrimental eye disease. Having a yearly eye exam will ensure your prescription is current and monitor your eye health. The earlier a problem is identified, the greater the potential for successful treatment.
Wear Sunglasses
You may know of UV light being hazardous to your skin, but may not necessarily think about the damage it can cause to your eyes. Wearing sunglasses that are branded as having UV protection will help minimize your risk of developing cataracts plus reduce eye strain in bright conditions.
Some aspects of aging can be avoided simply by paying attention to your health and wellness. Following these simple guidelines can ensure your good eye health for many years to come.
Contact Valley Eyecare Center at (602) 955-2700 to schedule your annual eye exam.
