Getting older doesn’t have to mean vision loss. You can do a lot to keep your eyes and vision healthy and prevent age-related eye disease and vision loss, especially if you start early. Keeping your eyes healthy and strong may require some lifestyle changes, but the good news is that these improvements will contribute to your overall health and wellness, not just your eyes.
There are several ocular diseases, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy, that primarily affect older adults which can cause impaired vision and even blindness. Sometimes, they are caused by accumulating a lifetime of unhealthy habits; changing these poor habits may be the best form of prevention.
Diet: Eat for Your Eyes
Eating healthy is about much more than weight loss. Nutritious foods give your body the ability to fight disease and function optimally. On the other hand, what you put in your body can also cause disease, inflammation, and upset your body’s homeostasis. Choose a healthy, balanced diet: it’s never too late.
Sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats can increase your risk for eye disease and many other conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. In contrast, colorful fruits and vegetables, particularly greens, can help fight and prevent these same diseases. Studies show that people who eat a healthy diet full of greens, healthy fats (such as Omega-3s), and proteins have reduced occurrences of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
Try to eat at least 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day to get the most nutrients. Reduce your intake of sugar, refined grains (such as white bread and pasta), and processed foods. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
UV and Blue Light Exposure: Protect Your Eyes
More and more studies are showing that extended exposure to UV and blue light emissions correlates to increased incidences of eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. To avoid this, all you need is some proper eye care protection. 100% UV-blocking sunglasses should be worn each time you go outside (rain or shine). If you work on a computer or use an electronic device for extended periods, consider investing in blue light-blocking computer glasses.
There are also some filters and apps available to reduce blue-light exposure from digital devices and screens.
Smoking: A Major Threat to Your Eyes
We all know that smoking is bad for you, and eye disease is just another way it can hurt your health. Studies show that smoking increases the risk of Dry Eye Syndrome, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Exercise for Eye Health
What’s healthy for your body is healthy for your eyes. Studies correlate regular exercise with a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic eye disease. Working a regular exercise routine into your schedule is important for your health and longevity.
Being more active in your daily life can help too – walking up and down the steps in your house, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or parking farther away from your destination are easy and free ways to incorporate physical activity into your everyday life.
Preventative Care: The Importance of Regular Eye Exams
Vision-threatening eye diseases can often be caught and treated early, preventing further vision loss and sometimes even reversing damage. This is where annual comprehensive eye exams are key. You don’t want to wait until you have symptoms to get checked by your eye doctor because many eye diseases don’t present any signs until vision is lost, and it is too late to fully recover. A yearly eye exam can detect slight changes in your eyes that could indicate a developing problem.
Early detection can dramatically improve your chances for restored eye health and vision preservation.
When it comes to eye health, awareness and actions for prevention can have a huge impact on reducing your risks. Don’t wait until it is too late. Even small steps toward a healthier lifestyle can make a difference to your future eye health.