Eyecare musts over 60

We can all play a role in how well we age. We cannot stop the aging process, and maybe we don’t want to. But most of us do want to age well and be the best we can be at every age. That includes maintaining good vision.

The article below includes tips on how to keep your eyes healthy and promote good vision in your 60s and beyond. 
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Common eye conditions over 60

So, you might be nearing the big 6-O. While age may just be a number, certain types of eye conditions do become more common as we get older. Common eye diseases associated with aging include:

• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Diabetic retinopathy

The good news is that eye diseases are not inevitable as you get older. Your lifestyle may also affect how healthy your eyes remain as you move into your 60s. 
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Eyecare tips after 60

There are many habits that you should start as early as possible. The sooner we take care of our eyes, the better. But if you were not diligent about eye health when you were younger, it is time to start. The bad habits you got away with in your 30s and 40s will start to catch up with you in your 50s and 60s. If you want to maintain healthy eyes, consider the following eyecare musts:

Get a dilated eye exam. According to the National Eye Institute, people over the age of 60 should get a dilated eye exam about every two years. An eye exam can help diagnose eye diseases even before symptoms start.

Exercise. Getting regular exercise helps decrease your risk of obesity. Obesity increases your risk of developing certain eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy. By reducing the risk of obesity, you may also lower your chances of certain eye diseases.

Don’t smoke: Smoking is bad for your overall health. It also is bad for your eyes. Smoking may damage the blood vessels in the eyes and increase the risk of certain eye diseases.

Wear sunglasses: Too much exposure to the UV rays from the sun may increase your risk of certain eye diseases. Sun damage is also accumulative. This means by 60, you may have had many years of sun exposure. If you have not started to practice good sun protection, now is the time. Wear sunglasses, a protective hat, and sunscreen around your eyes.

Get enough sleep: According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, problems sleeping may increase as we move into our 60s. But proper sleep is important for good eye health. As you sleep, your eyes clear out the debris, such as dirt and allergens, from the day. Do your best to get seven to eight hours of sleep a night.

Use good lighting: As we age, it is common to not see as well in the dark. Your eyes require more light to see at 60 than they did when you were 20 or 30. Keep the window shades pulled back to let in natural light. Also, make sure you have areas, such as stairs, well-lit. 
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What eye issues should you watch for?

Many vision issues may start in your 60s. For example, you may notice your night vision is not as sharp as it used to be. If you have not started using reading glasses yet, you will likely need them in your 60s. While some eye issues are a normal part of aging. Other things can signal a problem. Consider seeing an eye doctor if you develop any of the following:

• A sudden decrease in vision
• Eye pain
• Increased floaters
• Flashes of light
• Blurry vision that does not go away in a few days

We hope the above information reminds you of ways to maintain good eye health in your 60s and beyond. If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.