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As you get older, eye and vision care become increasingly important. Use these eye doctor-approved tips to keep your eyes in the best health possible.
When you’re young, it’s easy to take your vision for granted. Chances are, any problems you had were easily fixed with the right pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses. But in your early 60s, age-related vision problems can crop up.
That’s when you start to realize just how crucial your eyesight is for your health and well-being — and how important it is to protect it. Here are a few simple tips that can help keep your vision sharp.
Eye checkups are an essential part of your health care routine. Find an exam time that fits your schedule!
Tip #1: Don’t Put Off Regular Eye Exams
As young as you may feel, your eyes are getting older. Eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration are more likely to occur after the age of 60. And many of these conditions don’t have any symptoms early on.
That’s why it’s important to schedule an eye exam with your optometrist at least once a year. They can look for signs of eye problems using a special imaging scan or dilated eye exam.
Optometrists can even spot the signs of other health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, in the early stages, when they’re easier to treat.
Tip #2: Prioritize Healthy Habits
What’s good for your health is good for your eyes. Sleep, for example, helps your tear glands replenish to protect against dry eye. And exercise improves blood flow and reduces oxidative stress that damages healthy cells. This not only helps prevent age-related cataracts, but it may also protect against eye diseases that are linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
Tip #3: Check Your Medicine Cabinet
Many common medications that older adults take have visual side effects that you may need to be aware of.
The list includes certain medications for:
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Allergies
- Antidepressants
Your eye doctor can help check your medication list.
If you’ve noticed blurry or distorted vision after starting a new medication, talk to your eye doctor and your family doctor. Together, they can find a solution that will keep you healthy without sacrificing your vision. Sometimes this is as easy as switching doses or finding an alternative medication.
The bottom line: Good eyesight is something you no longer want to take for granted.