Our eyes, along with the rest of our bodies, deteriorate as we age. Failing vision can cause depression and anxiety, loss of mobility, and increased falls. Some medical conditions—chiefly diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease—increase the risk of eye diseases.
There are multiple factors that go into protecting your eyesight. We’ve rounded up the best tips for senior eye health.
The best way to protect your eyesight is pretty simple.
Regular eye exams are the best and easiest way to prevent vision loss. With frequent screenings, your eye doctor can diagnose any disease or condition as soon as it develops. Early detection offers the best outcome when it comes to eyesight, so make sure to visit your eye doctor at least annually for a checkup.
Know your risk factors.
Certain health problems can affect your eyes. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, it’s essential to have regular eye exams. Keep your eye doctor informed of your medical history, and make sure to update him about any new medications.
Women are more likely to have glaucoma, diseased or damaged optic nerves. They’re also more likely to lose all or part of their vision due to glaucoma. Cataract is also slightly more common among women. Aging women should make sure to have an eye exam annually after age 65.
Eat your way to good vision.
Surprisingly, good nutrition is a key component to eye health. In recent years we’ve discovered that what we eat affects everything in our bodies, and our eyes are no exception. A diet good for our eyes includes foods rich in vitamins A and C, and omega-3 fatty acids. Green leafy vegetables, salmon, and dairy products are all good options to load up on these essential antioxidants.
Avoid saturated fats and excessive alcohol, which are both detrimental to eye health.
Lifestyle plays a part as well.
Make healthy lifestyle choices to protect your eyesight. Don’t smoke, since smoking puts you at risk for medical conditions that cause eye diseases. Exercise regularly—exercise improves your blood circulation, which improves oxygen levels in your eyes. When you go out in the sun, wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection. You should also wear a hat with a brim as an extra level of protection.
Address eye injuries promptly.
If you sustain an injury to your eye, get immediate medical attention. Your eyes are valuable and you only have two of them, so you don’t want to delay treatment.
