Protecting Vision During Aging

As you age, vision can naturally begin to deteriorate. There are a number of age-related eye diseases that can impact vision and quality of life. While it is not always possible to fully prevent these diseases from occurring, there are ways that you can be proactive to reduce the damage caused and keep your eyes healthier.

Get regular eye exams: One of the best ways to protect your eyes is to have yearly examinations. The eye doctor can detect issues early on and recommend changes or treatment to protect and improve vision. Certain health conditions or medications may make it even more important to engage in regular screenings and monitoring.

Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients supports better eye health. Fresh fruits and vegetables are full of beneficial antioxidants, as well as vitamins A, C, and E. If you are concerned that you are not getting adequate amounts of these nutrients, talk to your doctor about the possibility of taking a multivitamin or supplement to support better health.

Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors. Summer is not the only time when bright sunlight is a risk. The sun’s rays can reflect off of the snow, sand, and water year round. Wraparound sunglasses also protect your eyes from light entering from the side. A hat can help to shade your eyes and face from the sunlight. Make sure that your sunglasses offer UV protection.

Reduce eyestrain: If watching TV, using the computer, or reading, give your eyes a break. Stop every 15 to 30 minutes to focus your eyes on something else and let them rest. Sit near a light or window so that you are not straining to see in dimly lit areas.

Quit smoking: Not only is smoking bad for your health in general, it can have a negative impact on your vision. Smoking constricts blood vessels and can reduce blood flow to the eyes. This can contribute to an increased risk of many eye problems including glaucoma, cataracts, age related macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome, diabetic retinopathy, and more.

Making simple changes such as these to your lifestyle can help to protect your vision and overall health. It is not too late to adopt healthier habits and become more proactive in supporting your vision. Vision problems can reduce quality of life and impact safety, so staying on top of any changes can help to slow progression before it becomes more serious. If you do suffer from vision loss, assistance through an in-home care provider can help you to adjust and maintain your independence and safety for as long as possible.