When you think of healthy aging, you may think of eating a good nutrition and exercise to maintain a healthy weight and prevent disease. However, healthy aging also consists of protecting your eyes and vision in order to prevent conditions and diseases like dry eye and macular degeneration. At Eye Site in Memorial and Katy, TX, we provide eye exams to detect any conditions earlier and offer treatment to preserve your vision. Before visiting us, read about some items to consider to keep your eyes healthy below:
Avoid Smoking
Smoking is known to increase your risk of macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of vision loss in people age 50 and older and can lead to blindness. If you smoke, you are four times more likely to develop macular degeneration. Your risk of other eye health problems, such as glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy, also increase if you smoke.
Wear Eye Protection
If you want healthy eyes as you age, we recommend wearing sunglasses any time you go outside to protect your eyes against harmful ultraviolet rays. If high amounts of sunlight are entering your eyes, it can contribute to certain types of damage. While the lens in the eye absorbs UV light, high amounts of sunlight that enter the eye can contribute to age-related changes, which can cause cataracts. You can also increase your risk of macular degeneration when your eyes are exposed to too much direct sunlight.
Manage Your Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, which can cause other eye health problems, such as glaucoma. Managing your diabetes can prevent complications that affect your vision.
Get Adequate Nutrition
In order for you to decrease your risk of certain eye health problems as you age, eating a balanced diet is essential. Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and lutein can all help reduce the chances of developing a serious eye disease. Along with that, our optometrists recommend foods that include fruits, nuts, and leafy vegetables for optimal eye health.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight can lead to various health problems, such as heart disease, however, it can also elevate your chances of developing glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
Contact us for an Appointment Today
If you want to keep your eyes healthy as you age, our optometrists at Eye Site in Memorial and Katy, TX, offer a variety of services for optimal eye health. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, contact us at (281) 644-2010 today.