Eye Care Services, Eye Health

Eyesight problems become more common the older we get. In fact, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, one in six Americans aged 65 and older has a vision impairment that can’t be corrected with contact lenses or glasses. And while that number is staggering, many older adults still neglect their eyesight and often avoid going to an ophthalmologist.

In order to raise awareness and bring attention to the importance of eye exams, we celebrate Healthy Eye Aging month. So, let’s learn more about eyesight problems and see how we can protect our eyes.

Dilated Eye Examinations

It’s important to understand that we can fix most eye problems as long as we discover them early on. That’s why it’s essential to visit an eye care professional for a comprehensive dilated eye examination regularly. But, what is that?

Simply put, a dilated eye exam involves dilating the pupils and examining the back of your eyes. This exam allows professionals to detect eye diseases before they become a serious threat to your vision. In fact, there are a variety of conditions and diseases that we can detect thanks to a dilated eye examination, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.

Eyesight Protection Tips

Besides eye exams, you can also follow a few easy tips to maintain a healthy vision as you continue to age:

  • Avoid Smoking: Most people are unaware that smoking is not only bad for your lungs but also your eyesight. As a matter of fact, smoking can promote cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and other eye conditions and diseases.
  • Eat Healthily: At the end of the day, a balanced diet can prevent many health issues, including those related to the eyes. Generally speaking, vegetables and fruits can keep your eyes healthy and protect your vision. More specifically, spinach, kale, and other dark, leafy greens are particularly good for your eyes.
  • Maintain a Normal Weight: It’s no mystery that overweight people are prone to diseases such as diabetes. Why is that dangerous for your eyes? Because diabetes complications, like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, can permanently damage your eyesight.
  • Wear Sunglasses: It’s essential to protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays whenever you are outdoors. Therefore, you should choose a pair of sunglasses that block all kinds of radiation, including UV-A and UV-B.

Final Thoughts

All in all, while some aspects of getting old are inevitable, loss of your eyesight needn’t be one of them. However, without regular eye exams, you will have a hard time avoiding disorders and conditions that lead to vision loss.

So why not act now by scheduling an eye exam? Celebrate September by taking care of your eyesight. We hope to see you soon!