For over twenty years, September has been recognized as Healthy Aging Month. By naming this month Healthy Aging Month, The American Academy of Ophthalmology aims to raise awareness about all aspects of maintaining your eye health as you age.
Keep reading to learn why it’s important to recognize Healthy Aging Month!
Build Healthy Habits, Like Visiting Your Eye Doctor Regularly
Healthy habits like staying active, maintaining a nutritious diet, spending time with family and friends, and getting regular check-ups with your physician are all critical to healthy aging. Just as important is getting regular eye exams with a qualified eye care provider like Shepherd Eye Center!
As you age, your risk of developing eye conditions increases. However, the American Academy of Ophthalmologists reports that while nearly two out of three older American report eye or vision problems, only 13% say they have visited an eye doctor.
Know Common Signs to Watch Out For
Common signs of aging eyes include things like decreased near vision, dry eyes, and difficulty seeing at night or in low light. Other symptoms to watch out for are loss of contrast sensitivity, increased glare sensitivity, and spots or floaters in your vision.
Many of these symptoms can be treated when diagnosed early during a routine eye exam. It is essential to watch out for these symptoms and visit your eye doctor if you notice them.
Routine eye exams can also identify signs of more serious eye conditions often seen in older adults.
Eye Conditions Where Age is a Risk Factor
The most common eye condition that affects aging eyes is cataracts, which occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and reduces the clarity of vision. It is estimated that half of Americans over 75 develop cataracts, which can be easily treated through cataract surgery.
Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve and can lead to blindness. Your chances of developing glaucoma rise as you age.
Another common eye condition that can develop with age is macular degeneration. Macular degeneration causes your central vision to decline.
Your eye doctor will be able to detect most of the common eye conditions that you can develop with age at your routine eye exam.
What Steps Can I Take to Protect My Eyes?
Just as there are steps you can take to ensure your body and mind stay healthy as you age, there are steps that you can take to keep your eyes as healthy as possible as well! A little prevention can go a long way in keeping your eyes healthy.
The most crucial step to ensuring healthy eyes is having regular eye exams with a qualified and experienced eye care provider. Whether you are advised to have eye exams bi-annually or annually, a routine eye exam can detect signs of common eye conditions.
Routine eye exams also ensure you have the clearest vision with the most up-to-date eyewear prescription. Other steps you can take are protecting your eyes from harmful UV light by wearing sunglasses or a hat with a brim that covers your face when you are in the sun.
Familiarizing yourself with your family’s health history can help identify risk factors you might have for developing serious eye conditions. Taking a moment to stop and think more closely about your health as you age is why Healthy Aging Month was established
At Shepherd Eye Center, we offer regular eye exams and advanced eye treatments that can help you maintain the health of your eyes for a lifetime!
Is it time for you to visit your eye doctor for a routine eye exam? Schedule an appointment at Shepherd Eye Center in Henderson, NV, today!
