Every month, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) brings attention to a different eye health issue. The September observance is all about healthy aging and eye health.
Eyecare Medical Group wants to highlight these monthly observances to help patients maintain their vision and eye health. As people age, vision problems and even vision loss become increasingly common.
While these issues are often a natural part of aging, you can still help prevent eye conditions and treat vision problems by diligently caring for your eyes. Keep reading to learn more about preserving eye health during Healthy Aging Month.
What Eye Health Risks Should Older Adults Know About?
Americans older than 65 are at a much higher risk of having a vision problem that can’t be fixed with glasses or contacts. This means it’s essential that older adults pay attention to their eye health.
The risk of developing many eye conditions increases as you age. Some of the most common eye and vision risks for older adults include:
- Eye floaters
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Dry eye
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Age-related macular degeneration
The good news is that most age-related vision problems are treatable and manageable. With September being Healthy Aging Month, it’s a great time to commit to your eye health and schedule an eye exam with your eye doctor at Eyecare Medical Group.
Tips For Maintaining Healthy Eyes
If you want to care for your eye health and prevent problems, you can follow these helpful tips:
See An Eye Doctor Regularly
One of the most important things you can do to protect your eye health is to see your eye doctor for routine eye exams. These appointments are vital, as they allow your eye doctor to detect and diagnose problems early on.
Early diagnosis ensures prompt treatment so you can continue having clear vision and a good quality of life. Especially with degenerative conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, it’s crucial to detect signs before irreversible damage occurs, and more comprehensive treatment is required.
If you are older than 65, it is recommended that you get eye exams yearly. If you have a condition like diabetes that could increase your risk of developing eye conditions, you may want to schedule even more frequent eye exams.
Protect Your Eyes From UV Rays
Ultraviolet exposure from the sun can damage your eyes, leading to quicker development of cataracts and other eye problems. You can protect your vision by wearing sunglasses that offer a full range of UV protection.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking can harm your health in many ways, and your vision health is no different. Many studies find that smoking can increase the likelihood of cataracts, glaucoma, dry eyes, and more.
Exercise & Eat Healthy
You can better maintain healthy blood pressure by eating well and exercising regularly. This is critical as high blood pressure can restrict blood vessels and damage your retinas and optic nerve.
Your diet can also play a role in eye health. Foods that contain omega-3, vitamin A, zinc, and other nutrients are great for your vision and overall health.
While it’s not possible to completely stop the impacts of aging on your eyes, you can cultivate good habits that help maintain your vision. With the assistance of your eye doctor at Eyecare Medical Group, you can enjoy healthy vision for years to come.
Do you remember when you had your last eye exam? If not, it’s probably time to get one! Schedule an appointment at Eyecare Medical Group in Portland, ME, today.
