Aging has an organic effect on the health of your eyes, and growing older isn’t something you can really fight. You can, however, take preventative measures as you age to protect the efficiency of your eyes.
If you’re interested in educating yourself on the many ways to preserve your eye health, look no further. Here is a brief description of five ways in which you can actively work to protect your eyesight as you age.
Stay away from cigarettes
It’s likely no surprise that smoking cigarettes is bad for your eyes. Regular smokers are more likely to develop cataracts or age-related macular degeneration. Smoking also puts your body at a higher risk for a bunch of other ugly health problems.
It’s best that you never pick them up, or lay them down if you’re already a smoker. You almost certainly will suffer some health problems from being a long-term smoker.
Use sunglasses with UV protection
You should always be thinking about protecting your eyes. When you’re out in the sunshine, UV protection is needed to block against unnecessary damage to your vision. When you’re swimming, you should always use goggles.
Playing sports means that you should be wearing the proper eye protection, and working in a hazardous environment calls for eye safety. If you consistently follow these guidelines, you’ll be in better shape when you’re older.
Eat an eye-healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet will save you a lot of troubles in life, and eye troubles are on that list. Fill your daily intake with fruits, veggies, nuts, and plenty of omega-3 rich fish. Leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and carrots are all excellent sources of beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
Keep your body in good shape
Staying fit and healthy is a great way to protect your eyes as you grow older. Regular exercise will boost your blood circulation, providing plenty of oxygen-rich blood flow to the eyes.
Maintaining a healthy body will also reduce your risk of developing diabetes, and diabetes is a huge detriment to the eyes. High blood pressure is another contributor to the degeneration of sight.
Keeping a regular exercise regimen will help to considerably lower your odds of having trouble with your eyes later in life. Again, cataracts and macular degeneration are the most common dangers you’ll face as your body ages.
Schedule regular eye exams
Most importantly, keep up with regular trips to your optometrist. Getting regular eye exams will help you maintain a clear “vision” of your eye health , and alert you if you need to make some changes. Don’t slack on your eye care, and you’ll “see” the benefits of your work later in life.
