As the baby boomer generation continues to reach retirement age every day, more eye doctors and specialists are trying to spread awareness about age-related eye problems and what patients can do to stave off certain issues and practice good eye care as they age. Many of the eye problems that people experience as they age can be prevented or at least lessened without the need for medical intervention. That’s good news; the power is in your hands to take control of your eye health!
How can you keep your eyes healthy while aging?
You can take positive steps today to protect your eye health. Here are a few eye care tips to keep age-related conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts at bay.
Get regular eye exams
It is important to get regular eye exams, as eye doctors can detect a number of conditions before any symptoms surface. If your doctor is able to diagnose your condition in an early stage, you’ll be in a better position to control the condition as well as slow any progress.
If you’ve had a LASIK procedure in the past, you should continue to get annual checkups, even if you’re not experiencing any issues. Remember, your eyes can continue to change with age, even if you’ve had LASIK, so don’t discount the importance of regular checkups as part of your eye care routine.
Use sun protection
If you’re out enjoying the sun, you must remember to protect your eyes. This means not only reaching for your sunscreen, but a hat and sunglasses as well! UV rays can damage your eye health, so opt for sunglasses with UV filters in the lenses. Choose sunglasses that are large enough to cover your eyes well, and, if possible, pick a style with some wraparound on the sides for optimum coverage.
In addition to your shades, you can also wear a wide-brimmed hat, especially if you’ll be outdoors for a lengthy period of time. The hat will provide additional protection and keep the sun off your face and eyes.
Eat well and add a multivitamin
It comes as no surprise that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will have positive benefits for your eye health. The antioxidants in certain foods can help lower the risk of some common age-related eye conditions, including macular degeneration and cataracts. Make sure your diet includes red, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables, such as red peppers, carrots, corn, squash, and citrus, as well as dark, leafy-green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, or mustard greens.
While there is no substitute for a healthy diet, you should also add a daily multivitamin. Pick a multivitamin that is right for your age, and be sure it contains vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc, as studies have shown these vitamins and minerals support eye health.
Is Laser Vision Correction an Option?
Those who have had vision problems their whole lives can also seek out a way to correct common vision problems. Individuals may want to ask their doctors about LASIK eye surgery, which can improve or correct a person’s eyesight. This quick procedure consists of reshaping the cornea and changing the focusing power of the eye. To learn more about laser vision correction, schedule a free LASIK consultation at a location near you.
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