Changes in your eyes and vision are a natural part of aging. To monitor and maintain your eye health as you get older, it’s important to follow a few essential steps.
As you age, the risk of developing conditions that can affect your eyes increases. This is completely normal. In addition to regular eye exams and consulting with your eye doctor when you notice any concerns, there are daily habits you can adopt to support your eye health. Taking care of your eyes also encourages you to pay more attention to your overall health.
1. Understand Your Risk of Eye Diseases
One of the best ways to preserve your eye health is by being aware of the factors that can affect your vision and knowing how to recognize symptoms.
If your job involves long hours in front of a computer, you are likely familiar with eye strain and fatigue, which can sometimes lead to temporary blurred vision. To combat this, take a break every 20 minutes and consider wearing blue light-blocking glasses to reduce strain.
If you work in an environment where there’s a risk of objects getting into your eyes, or if you’re outdoors where the sun could cause damage, be sure to wear appropriate protective eyewear. Always take immediate action to treat any injuries.
Don’t forget your family history—over 350 eye conditions are believed to be hereditary. While you can’t change your genetics, knowing about these risks allow you to recognize early signs and seek preventive care.
2. Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Although eye exams may not be your favourite activity, they should be a priority as you age. Whether or not you have a family history of vision problems, regular eye exams are essential for identifying issues early before they become more serious.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that individuals over 65 have eye exams at least once or twice a year. These exams can help detect age-related conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and more.
3. Protect Your Eyes, Indoors and Outdoors
UV rays from the sun can cause significant damage to your eyes. According to the US National Institutes of Health, prolonged exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of cataracts and even eyelid cancer. To protect your eyes, wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat that blocks at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays.
Additionally, if you wear contacts, prescription glasses, or even over-the-counter reading glasses, make it a habit to replace them regularly. Your prescription might have changed since your last eye exam. What worked for you a year ago may no longer be sufficient, and you might need stronger or updated eyewear.
4. Prioritize Your Overall Health
Both internal factors and external environmental conditions influence your eye health. To support your eye health, it’s essential to nourish your body with the right nutrients. A balanced diet rich in foods that promote healthy eyes can make a significant difference. Consider incorporating easy-to-add options like sunflower seeds, salmon, leafy greens, eggs, kiwis, broccoli, carrots, and almonds into your meals.
A well-rounded diet not only helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels and body weight but it also reduces the risk of diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 90% of diabetes-related blindness can be prevented.
If you smoke, now is the time to quit. Smoking is linked to various eye conditions, including cataracts and macular degeneration. The CDC reports that smoking increases the likelihood of developing cataracts by two to three times and doubles the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
Note: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. For any medical concerns or questions regarding your health, always consult with a qualified healthcare provider.
