Vision changes are part of the natural aging cycle as you get older. Gradually, over time, your eyes will worsen. While you can’t prevent all forms of eye trauma or disease, here are four things you can do now to help protect your vision.
1. Wear Sunglasses, Especially if You Have Blue Eyes and Fair Skin
Sunglasses are often under-appreciated when it comes to protecting eye health, but they can indeed reduce the likelihood of developing cataracts. People with fair skin and blue eyes are particularly susceptible to elevated risks of cataracts due to UV light exposure.
In addition to cataracts, a study by Johns Hopkins found a correlation between sun exposure and increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).
An increase in UV light also causes metabolic changes in the cells of the eye lens and retina.
2. Stop Smoking
Smoking has a direct impact on eye health later in life. Smokers are four times more likely than nonsmokers to suffer from ARMD, the leading cause of blindness in the United States. Your risk of cataracts also increases if you’re a smoker.
Maintaining your vision is one more important reason to make quitting smoking a priority.
3. Remain Physically Active and a Maintain Proper Weight
A healthy lifestyle is good for your overall health and your vision. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are two main ways to protect against adverse vision changes as you get older. Many factors are involved with poor eyesight and a healthy weight.
Being overweight can lead to:
- Heart issues
- Blood sugar issues
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Insulin resistance
- High cholesterol
And all those conditions can impact your vision.
Obesity can also cause a rise in oxidative stress and inflammation of the eyes, leading to a higher risk of ARMD.
4. Get Your Vision Checked Regularly
Routine comprehensive eye exams are an essential part of keeping your vision as sharp as possible, especially as you get older. Eye exams provide an opportunity for early diagnosis of many eye diseases and identification of other vision problems that may be correctable.
During an eye exam, the optometrist or ophthalmologist looks for common age-related eye issues, including cataracts, presbyopia, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, corneal diseases, retinal detachment and more.
Aging is inevitable, but the steps above may help limit the impact of aging on your vision. Take care of your eyes now to reduce your risk of eye-related issues later in life.
To schedule your comprehensive eye exam, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300.