We all experience some vision loss with age. Although it’s natural, certain lifestyle choices can either benefit or hurt your vision.
At times, caring for aging eyes seems like a daunting task, but Dr. Vishal Patel and our team at Eye Care Solutions are here to help. Here are five ways to care for aging eyes.
1. Stay active
Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight can keep your aging eyes healthy. Weight gain and obesity pose a myriad of health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. But, it can also lead to several age-related eye conditions.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss for people aged 60 and up. It causes macula cells in your eyes to die and makes your vision blurry and wavy.
This condition is already common with age, but if you’re overweight, your risk is that much higher because it leads to inflamed eyes. Physical activity lowers your risk of AMD because it keeps you at a healthy weight and reduces the risk of inflammation.
2. Quit smoking
Smoking cigarettes changes the cells in your eyes and increases oxidative stress, both of which are common causes of AMD. In fact, regular and former smokers are four times more likely to develop AMD.
Exposure to smoke also triggers the symptoms of dry eye syndrome, another common aging eye issue.
3. Wear sunglasses
Protecting your aging eyes from too much sunlight helps keep them healthy. If you have cataracts, a normal aging condition that causes cloudy vision, the ultraviolet light rays from the sun can make them much worse.
Wearing sunglasses also helps with dry eyes because they protect your eyes from the wind.
4. Maintain a healthy diet
Eating a diet rich in green, leafy vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon, tuna, and walnuts), and low in saturated fat can keep your vision clearer as you age.
Glaucoma is a condition that damages your optic nerve, and it occurs when too much fluid elevates the pressure in your eye. Conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, both of which occur from poor dietary choices and lack of exercise, increase the amount of fluid that builds up and puts more strain on your optic nerve.
5. Regular eye exams
While things like a good diet and regular exercise can protect aging eyes, seeing Dr. Patel for regular eye exams is one of the best ways to keep your vision sharp.
Eye exams consist of a variety of tests to check your vision, focus, and eye movement. After evaluating your eyes, Dr. Patel can catch eye diseases early before they start affecting your vision. Patients over age 50 should visit us at least once a year for an eye exam.
Want to learn more about aging eyes and how to care for them? Call Eye Care Solutions in Milton, Georgia, or visit us online to book your appointment with Dr. Patel.
