While you can’t prevent your body from aging, your lifestyle choices can affect how your body ages. To raise awareness of the importance of healthy aging, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has designated September as Healthy Aging Month.
This month, adults of all ages are encouraged to consider the lifestyle choices they can make to promote both their overall health and the health of their eyes as they age. Keep reading to learn more about Healthy Aging Month and why it’s important!
What Are Some Common Age-Related Eye Conditions?
The eyes can be one of the first parts of the body to show the signs of aging. Age-related eye conditions affect the vision of millions of older Americans each year.
These conditions include:
Cataracts
Cataracts occur when proteins in the eye’s lens break down and clump together, causing a clouding that impacts your vision. This is a natural part of the aging process, so everyone will experience cataracts at some point in life if they live long enough.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is often caused by elevated intraocular pressure, which damages the optic nerve. Glaucoma usually doesn’t show many obvious symptoms in the early stages, so regular eye exams are essential for early detection and preservation of your vision.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. It is caused by damage to the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision.
Presbyopia
Also known as age-related farsightedness, presbyopia is caused by the hardening of the eye’s lens and affects near vision. Almost everyone over the age of forty will experience some degree of presbyopia.
How Can I Maintain My Eye Health as I Age?
While you can’t entirely prevent most age-related eye conditions, there are steps you can take to promote eye health as you age. These steps include:
Scheduling Annual Eye Exams
Annual comprehensive eye exams can detect the signs and symptoms of common age-related eye conditions early. Early treatment of these conditions can help protect your vision as you age.
Eating a Healthy Diet
You can support eye health by eating a diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients can be found in leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and fish.
Prioritizing UV Protection
Always protect your eyes from harmful UV light by wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays or a broad-brimmed hat when outdoors. Prolonged exposure to UV light has been linked to both cataracts and AMD.
Managing Health Conditions
If you have a chronic health condition, like diabetes and high blood pressure, careful management can reduce your risk of developing certain age-related eye conditions. Complications from chronic conditions often impact eye health.
Quitting Smoking
Smoking is one of the leading causes of cancer and increases your risk of developing cataracts and AMD. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health at any age.
Staying Hydrated
Tear production tends to decrease with age and can lead to dry eye syndrome. Drinking plenty of water can help maintain tear production and keep eyes lubricated.
It’s never too late to start thinking about healthy aging! The lifestyle choices you make today can ensure you maintain the health of your eyes and the health of your mind and body as you age.
Is it time for you to have your eyes checked? Schedule an appointment at Shepherd Eye Center at one of our 5 locations in Las Vegas or Henderson, NV, today!
