How to Keep Eyes Healthy As We Age

The American Academy of Ophthalmology acknowledges how aging affects your eye health. Age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts can develop over time. The onset of these conditions is common in people at least 50 years old. If you want to know how to keep your eyes healthy while aging, here’s what you should know.

Wear Proper Eye Protection

Exposure to UV (ultraviolet rays) without proper eye protection is not ideal for the eyes at any age. Choosing sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection can help lower your risk of developing serious eye ailments. Wearing UV protective contact lenses can reinforce the protection from your sunglasses. A wide-brimmed hat can help protect the upper, lower, and sides of the eyes.

Wearing wraparound sunglasses can also shield all sides of the eyes from direct and reflected sunlight. Even if it is cloudy outside, sunlight can still pass through the clouds. Sand, water, and snow can reflect sunlight onto your eyes. Wearing proper eye protection all the time can protect your eyes and reduce your risk for eye conditions over time.

Wash Your Hands Regularly

Studies show that touching one’s face happens an average of 23 times in an hour. That is why keeping your hands clean all the time is important. This is even more important for those who wear contact lenses. Wash your hands well with clean water and mild soap. Dry it with a lint-free towel after. Only then can you touch your eyes.

Research shows that proper handwashing can prevent bacteria and viruses from infecting your eyes. Unwashed hands can bring you infections like conjunctivitis and colds. Scientists confirm that this provides a way for COVID-19 to enter one’s body. Alcohol-based sanitizers can remove germs from your hands if you do not have access to soap and clean water.

Quit Smoking

Smoking tobacco is directly associated with the development of age-related macular degeneration. The risk stays high 20 years after quitting the habit. Smoking makes bloodoxygenation and circulation difficult. It also causes vascular constriction, cellular changes, and oxidative stress.
 

Keep a Healthy Weight

Excess weight leads to conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. These conditions can also affect your eyesight. Studies show that obese and overweight individuals are more vulnerable to developing eye conditions than those who have normal weight. Trying to lose weight may improve your eye health.

Get Adequate Sleep

Proper sleep helps your cells regenerate. Your body needs to replenish after a day’s activities. Seven to eight hours of restful sleep can help the blood vessels relax. This can make your blood flow better. Your eyes can get more nutrients and become healthier.

Eat Healthy Foods

Consuming excessive saturated fats or alcohol can release free radicals and harm your eyes. A diet that is high in fats can block blood flow to the tiny blood vessels in your eyes. Antioxidants are important in keeping your eyes healthy. Vitamins C and A and omega-3 fatty acids can enhance your central vision.

Eye health is important as you age. Following the mentioned tips can help maintain your good vision even at a certain age. At Advanced Eyecare Consultants, we help our clients achieve good eye health through state-of-the-art techniques and equipment. For inquiries about our eye care packages or for scheduling, call Advanced Eyecare Consultants in Illinois at 847-994-4500 or 847-438-7700 to reach our clinics in Libertyville and Lake Zurich.