Protect Aging Eyes: Why You Need to Focus on Good Eye Care

Common Age-Related Eye Issues

Look through some common eye problems that can occur throughout your life and can increase as you age:

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is the natural loss of focus on objects that are up close. As you can imagine, reading and seeing objects up close makes it difficult. It is a widespread condition that affects most people as they reach their 40s or 50s. In the United States, 83% to 89% of adults age 45 and older suffer from presbyopia. In other words, you will likely see signs of presbyopia once you hit that age or may already suffer from it. 

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, causing blurry vision and difficulty seeing. They are more prevalent in older adults and typically worsen over time if not treated properly. Cataracts affect more than 24.4 million Americans age 40 and older. What makes cataracts such a challenging ailment is that surgery is the only way to get rid of them. Finding cataracts early on can prevent them from worsening over time.

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a leading cause of vision loss for people 50 or older. AMD affects the part of the retina needed for central vision, the macula, and can cause blurred vision. We use this part of the eye for reading and seeing other things in detail. Once AMD is too advanced, there is no cure. With that said, it will not cause total blindness.

Dry Eyes

As you get older, you might experience dry eyes more often. The lack of tear production will likely cause eye irritation and discomfort. You might even experience itching, burning, or vision loss in some more severe cases.

How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy

Let’s talk about what you can do to prioritize your eye health as you age:

Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Scheduling regular comprehensive eye exams is potentially the most crucial step in maintaining good eye health. Our eyes change naturally, so getting them checked out by an expert team of eye doctors is crucial. Eye exams allow doctors to detect early signs of eye issues such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and more. If caught early, it increases your chances of successful treatment.

Eat a Healthy Diet

A nutrient-rich diet plays a critical role in promoting good eye health. We recommend eating foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Some of the best foods you can eat for your eye health are leafy greens, fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts, and seeds. Not only is eating healthy good for reducing the risk of age-related eye conditions, but it is also essential for overall health.

Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays

Extended exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage our eyes and contribute to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. UV ray exposure accumulates over time, making it extra important to protect your eyes as early as possible. You can protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, consider wearing hats for extra protection when outdoors on sunny days.

Stay Active

Regularly exercising and a healthy lifestyle contribute to better overall health, including eye health. Exercise improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of age-related eye conditions. A healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, adequate sleep, stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight can go a long way for healthy eyes and vision. 

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated can also be considered part of a healthy and balanced diet. Keeping your body well-hydrated is beneficial for your general health and eyes. Dehydration can lead to dry eyes, causing discomfort and potential damage to the cornea. Drinking water throughout the day is essential to stay hydrated and healthy. Your overall well-being will improve if you’re properly hydrated.