As you grow older, you may notice changes in your vision. While some changes are normal, sudden vision changes could be a sign of an underlying disease. It’s important to take care of your eye health as you age. Here are four important tips to help you protect your eyes:
1. Know your risk level:
Understanding what factors can affect your vision and being aware of symptoms can help you maintain good eye health. If you work in front of a computer all day, take regular breaks to rest your eyes and consider using blue light blocking glasses. If you work outdoors, protect your eyes from the sun and potential injury.
It’s also important to know your family history as many eye diseases are hereditary. Being aware of these genetic risks can help you identify symptoms early on and seek appropriate treatment.
2. Check your eyes regularly:
Even if you don’t have any vision problems, it’s important to schedule regular eye exams as you age. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends an eye exam every one to two years after the age of 65. Regular eye exams can help detect age-related eye problems like cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
3. Wear appropriate clothing:
Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing a hat and sunglasses that block 99% of UVA and UVB rays. If you wear prescription glasses, make sure to update them regularly to ensure optimal vision. Additionally, if you use over-the-counter reading glasses, consider getting a new pair if you need stronger magnification.
4. Take care of your overall health:
Good eye health starts with a healthy lifestyle. A diet rich in nutrients that promote eye health, such as almonds, broccoli, carrots, eggs, kiwi, green leafy vegetables, salmon, and sunflower seeds, can provide your body with the necessary nutrients. Proper nutrition also reduces the risk of diabetes, which is a major cause of blindness. Additionally, if you smoke, quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of developing age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts.
