Seven Ways to be Proactive About Age-Proofing Your Eyes | Healthy Aging Month

It is normal to experience some eye changes as you age, but that does not mean every change is inevitable. You can decrease the chances of eye and vision problems as you age and promote healthy vision. 

September is Healthy Aging Month. It is a good time to remember that although we all age, we can largely take steps to stay healthy. Part of staying well is maintaining healthy eyes. Below are seven ways we can age-proof our eyes. 
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​Get regular eye exams

Don’t wait for symptoms of an eye problem to see an eye doctor. Regular eye exams are one of the best ways to protect your vision. Certain eye conditions do not usually cause symptoms in their early stages. This means you may not know you have the condition until you develop vision loss. However, a comprehensive eye exam can often identify eye diseases in their early stages.
 
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a baseline eye exam for adults by age 40. People over 65 should have an exam every year.  
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Know your numbers

High cholesterol and blood pressure are risk factors to developing vision complications. It is important to regularly have your cholesterol and blood pressure measured so you know if your levels are too high. If you have high blood pressure or cholesterol, lifestyle choices, such as not smoking, healthy eating, and exercise, may get you into a healthy range.   

Exercise regularly 

Exercise is good for your overall health, and that includes your eyes. Cardiovascular exercise promotes a healthy weight and may lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes. According to a literature review in the medical journal Eye, growing research indicates that eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, are associated with lower activity levels. 

More research is needed to state the connection between exercise and decreasing eye diseases. However, exercise helps promote healthy blood vessels, which include vessels to the eyes. Try to get about 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or biking, on most days of the week. 
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Limit alcohol 

Drinking too much alcohol can affect your liver and decrease the glutathione level in your body. Glutathione is an antioxidant that may help protect the cells throughout the body. Excess alcohol use may also increase the risk of certain diseases that can also affect vision.

The Centers for Disease Condition and Prevention recommend adults limit alcohol use to one drink or less a day for women and to two drinks or less a day for men. 
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Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, which is one of the leading causes of eye problems. If you are overweight, work with your doctor to develop a safe plan for getting to a healthy weight. 

Wear shades

UV rays from the sun can damage your eyes and the skin around your eyes. According to the National Eye Institute, some eye diseases are linked to excess exposure to UV rays. For instance, prolonged UV exposure may modify the proteins in the eye lens and increase the risk of cataracts. Before heading outside, grab those sunglasses to help protect your eyes. 

Pamper your eyes

Although it does not affect vision, most people want to limit wrinkles, lines, and dark circles. Be gentle with the skin under and around your eyes. Avoid rubbing your eyes too hard. Use sunscreen around the eyes. Consider applying a skincare product that fights wrinkles and moisturizes the skin. 

Remember the more of the tips above you implement, the better your changes are of promoting healthy vision as you age. We are happy to answer any questions. To discuss whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, please call our office at 508-746-8600.