As anyone with reading glasses knows, your vision quality doesn’t stay the same forever. This is especially true as we age. But there are ways to fight deteriorating vision and age-related risks. Find out the best tips for how to protect your eye health as you age.
Schedule Regular Eye Exams
If you don’t already, start scheduling regular eye exams with your eye doctor. A proper eye exam from a qualified doctor is your best bet to catch some of the most common eye diseases early on. For example, glaucoma is an eye disease that shows no noticeable signs or symptoms until you start to lose your vision. The only way to detect glaucoma early on is to test your IOP (intraocular pressure) through a tonometry test. Everyone of any age should schedule regular eye exams with their doctor.
Don’t Smoke/Stop Smoking
Most patients know the dangers of smoking with regard to heart disease and its effect on your lungs. However, what many people don’t know is that smoking can lead to vision loss, and it increases your risk of developing several vision problems. Studies have found that smoking increases your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, which affects your vision as you age. People who smoke are also at higher risk for cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye syndrome.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating right benefits your heart, eyes, and body. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that diets with kale, salmon, and oranges benefit your heart and eyes. You’ve probably heard that carrots improve your eyesight, too. Well, there’s some truth to this; foods rich in beta-carotene may improve your night vision.
We hope these tips on how to protect your eye health as you age help inspire you to make healthy choices for the sake of your vision. Small steps like limiting your screen time and wearing sunglasses can go a long way toward helping preserve your vision, too.
