According to eye specialists at a Los Angeles LASIK clinic, there are many age-related issues that can affect our eyes as we get older. As each generation reaches their retirement age, eye doctors are observing new connections between eye health and lifestyle. It turns out that our daily habits, hobbies, and diet can all significantly impact the condition of our eyes as we get older. Eye doctors are now trying to spread this information in order to help prevent people from developing things like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Fortunately, many of these age-related issues can be minimized or completely eliminated with a little extra attention to our eye care routines. Here are some of the best ways to reduce the risk of poor eye health later in life:
Attend Regular Eye Exams
Even if you don’t require prescription lenses, you should attend annual eye exams in order to monitor your general eye health. Doctors may be able to spot the early signs of a condition before it turns into anything serious. Exams allow doctors and patients to get a sense of what can be improved in terms of eye care.
If you have received laser eye surgery from a LASIK eye center in Los Angeles like Excel Laser Vision Institute, then this does not mean that you should skip out on eye exams. LASIK specialists recommend that you go in for regular checkups following the surgery because your eyes still have the ability to develop age-related conditions.
Protect Your Eyes From the Sun
Eye protection will always be important when you spend time outside because the risk of damage from UV rays is so high. Eye doctors recommend always having sunglasses and a hat on hand in order to serve your eye health.
Sunglasses must have 100% UV protection (otherwise known as UV 400) and provide full coverage with a large frame or wraparound style. Baseball caps can add another layer of protection by blocking light from coming directly overhead. Wide-brimmed hats are another functional and stylish accessory to wear with glasses.
Practice Eye Safety
Protect your eyes from injury by donning appropriate eye protection during activities that become a risk of eye injury, such as home improvement projects, yard work, and sports activities. Wear safety glasses or goggles with impact-resistant lenses when working with tools, chemicals, or flying debris to prevent eye injuries and preserve your vision.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can totally and positively impact your eye health as you age. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and foods incredibly high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, and zinc, which are beneficial for your eye health. Stay hydrated by consuming plenty of water, and reasonably limit your intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and high-fat meals. Additionally, avoid smoking and too much alcohol consumption, as these habits can significantly up the risk of eye diseases and vision loss.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is crucial for overall health, including eye health. Proper hydration helps maintain moisture in the eyes and can prevent dryness and irritation, particularly as you age.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is a significant risk factor for several eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Quitting smoking can help superbly reduce your risk of developing these conditions and slow the progression of existing eye diseases. If you currently smoke, seek support from healthcare professionals, smoking cessation programs, or support groups to quit for good and protect your vision.
Manage Chronic Conditions
Many chronic health conditions, such as conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, can affect your eye health and superbly increase the risk of developing vision problems. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for managing these conditions, including taking prescribed medications, monitoring blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and making lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy diet and participating in exercise regularly. By managing chronic health conditions effectively, you can help protect your vision and totally reduce the risk of eye complications.
Limit Screen Time
Prolonged exposure to screens, such as those from computers, tablets, and smartphones, can lead to digital eye strain. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, and look at something 20 feet away to reduce eye strain.
Stay Active
Regular physical activity and mental stimulation are super essential for maintaining holistic physical health and well-being as you age, including eye health. Stay active by participating in regular exercise such as walking, swimming, yoga, or tai chi, improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and supporting eye health. Additionally, stay socially connected and mentally engaged by participating in social activities, hobbies, and intellectual pursuits that stimulate the mind and promote emotional well-being.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing diabetes and other conditions that can affect eye health. Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise to reduce these risks.
Follow Eye Care Guidelines
Follow your eye care provider’s recommendations for proper eye care and vision correction, including wearing prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses as prescribed, using lubricating eye drops to relieve dryness or irritation, and practicing good hygiene habits such as thoroughly washing your hands before making contact with your eyes or handling contact lenses. By following these guidelines, you can maintain healthy eyes and superbly reduce the risk of eye infections, discomfort, and complications.
Practice Proper Eye Hygiene
Wash your hands regularly, avoid rubbing your eyes, and follow proper contact lens care to prevent eye infections and irritation.
Visit a LASIK Clinic
If you currently have vision problems and you haven’t looked into laser eye surgery, then you may think about visiting a LASIK clinic in Los Angeles such as Excel Laser Vision Institute. LASIK is a procedure that has helped many people achieve their vision goals without relying on glasses or contacts. This corrective eye surgery can improve the eye’s focusing abilities by reshaping the cornea. Many patients say that LASIK is not only convenient for their day to day routine but it can also be lifechanging. If you’re interested in LASIK, call to schedule an appointment with an eye specialist and see if you qualify for this corrective eye surgery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining healthy eyes as you age requires a proactive approach to eye care and overall health. By incorporating dietary and lifestyle changes, protecting your eyes from UV rays, managing chronic conditions, and scheduling regular eye exams, you can help preserve your vision and reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases. Additionally, considering LASIK eye surgery at Excel Laser Vision Institute, under the expert care of Dr. Moosa, can provide a long-term solution for vision correction, enhancing your quality of life and independence as you age.
