How to Keep Eyes Healthy As You Age

The signs of aging are not only wrinkles and gray hair. As you age, you will notice changes in your vision. Although these changes are inevitable, you can slow them down. Keep your eyes healthy for longer. It will take a few lifestyle changes, but if you remain consistent, you will reap the benefits.

Here are some tips to help you take care of your eyes.

Stop Smoking

People who smoke are four times more at risk of developing age-related macular degeneration than people who do not. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in America. The risk remains high 20 years after quitting. However, the likelihood that you may prevent blindness is also high.

Smoking causes cellular changes in your eyes and body. It leads to vascular constriction and oxidative stress that speed up different eye conditions. If you are finding it difficult to stop, keep trying. The likelihood of your success is higher the more times you keep trying to quit.

Wear Sunglasses

Protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. Although it is a good source of vitamin D, be careful. You may want to bask in the sun to soak some vitamin D. When you do, slip on some shades.

Make sure that your sunglasses protect you against UVA and UVB rays. The protection should be at least 99 percent. If you can, get glasses with wraparound lenses. They will protect your eyes from the side and give you ultimate protection.

Stay Active and Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight affects your blood pressure and cholesterol. It also makes it more likely to develop cataracts and glaucoma. Exercise regularly and keep yourself active. It will help you maintain your weight. It will also keep these conditions at bay.

Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet

You need to take care of what you put on your plate. Ensure that the foods you eat are loaded with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, lutein, and zinc. Do this to keep age-related eye diseases at bay.

Fill your plate with leafy vegetables and eat lots of fruits. They are rich in antioxidants that will protect your eyes against free radicals. These may be present in your body due to exposure to radiation or tobacco smoke.

Use Safety Eyewear

You may want to wing it when working with wood or metal. However, it is wise to use eyewear. Splinters may get airborne and harm your eyes. If you want to keep your eyes healthy as you age, keep them safe.

Wear safety eyewear when playing sports that can lead to an eye injury. Helmets, goggles, and sports eyeglasses will shield your eyes. Their lenses contain polycarbonate that is shatter-proof and will adequately protect your eyes.

Take a Break

Look away from your computer screen every 20 minutes. It will help to exercise your eye muscles and relax your eyes. Focus for 20 seconds on an object that is 20 feet away. You can also get up every two hours and take a 20-minute break.

For more information on keeping your eyes healthy, call Eye Care North at (480) 781-4446 to visit our office in Cave Creek, Arizona.