Just like we need to maintain the rest of our bodies as we age, our eyes need maintenance as well. As we age, our eyesight often begins to decline faster than we expect it to. The good news is that there are lots of things you can do to improve the health of your eyes. Continue reading below for a few of our favorite tips pertaining to optimal eye health.
1. Nutrition
Good nutrition is vital when it comes to keeping every part of your body healthy- eyes included. Giving your body proper nutrients will allow your eyes to function as optimally as possible as you age. You have the potential to maintain or even improve your eye health with proper nutrition. Specific nutrients including omega-3’s, lutein, zinc, vitamin c, and vitamin e help with age-related vision issues. Leafy greens such as spinach and kale are a great source of lutein making them an advantageous ingredient to incorporate into your meals. Vitamins C and E have antioxidant properties that allow them to strengthen the tissue in your body and work against harmful chemicals with which your body may come in contact. Nuts and seeds are rich in vitamin E, so adding them to salads or other dishes is a great way to boost your intake. Fruits, specifically oranges and other citrus fruits, are very high in vitamin C. Utilizing fruits as a healthy snack throughout the day will benefit your eye health greatly.
Another way in which nutrition can be beneficial to your health is by helping you maintain healthy body weight. When proper nutrition is implemented into your lifestyle, the chances of becoming obese decrease. Obesity is the leading factor for developing type 2 diabetes, and diabetes is a large risk factor for becoming blind. By taking care of your body and maintaining a healthy weight, you help reduce the chances of developing type 2 diabetes, and the risks that come with it.
2. Quit Smoking
Smoking is just as harmful to your eyes as it is to the rest of your body. If you smoke regularly, you are more likely to develop eye-related health issues than a non-smoker. Some of these eye conditions include macular degeneration and cataracts. Macular degeneration, also called age-related macular degeneration and AMD, causes blindness, and those who smoke are 3-4 times more likely to acquire it than people who don’t smoke.
Cataracts, which are characterized as the clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye, cause blurry vision that can progress into complete blindness. Doctors have found that smoking can quicken the development of cataracts by altering the cells of the eye lens through the process of oxidation. If you smoke, the chances of you developing cataracts are increased by a large amount. For optimal eye health after 40, you may want to consider quitting smoking.
3. Wear Sunglasses
If you spend a lot of time outside, it would be a good idea to invest in a quality pair of sunglasses. Wearing sunglasses while you’re engaging in your favorite outdoor activities will help protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. Even if it is cold and snowy outside, wearing sunglasses is essential for maintaining good optical hygiene. Exposure to UV rays can cause lots of damage to your eyes, and wearing sunglasses will help you protect your eyes from any unnecessary damage. Proper sunglasses will shield your eyes from snow blindness that can occur when the rays of the sun bounce off of snow and ice.
Excessively bright light from the sun can cause headaches and migraines. Wearing sunglasses can help you reduce the risk of developing headaches and migraines while spending time outside.
Davis Vision Center has light intelligent lenses that will react to the UV rays you come in contact with. Not only are these glasses convenient and protective, but they are stylish too. You can read more about Davis Vision Center’s Transition lenses here.
4. Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly
Visiting your eye doctor regularly is the best way to maintain proper eye health. After 40, assuming you don’t have any vision issues or symptoms, you should get regular eye exams every 2-4 years. If you do have vision problems or symptoms of an eye condition, see your eye doctor as soon as possible.
By keeping up with your regular eye exams, you’ll be able to catch any symptoms early on, and your eye doctor will be able to help you come up with a plan to keep your eyes functioning as optimally as possible. Contact Davis Vision Center to schedule an appointment with one of our amazing eye-care providers.
Contact Davis Vision Center Today to Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Here at Davis Vision Center, we are dedicated to helping you maintain your eye health as you age. Our knowledgeable team is ready to assist you with appointment scheduling or any other questions or information you may require. Contact us today and take the first step toward better eye health.
