Aging can come with many changes, but vision loss does not have to be a part of those changes!
Comprehensive dilated eye examinations are the best way to catch eye diseases early before they become a problem. Many age-related eye diseases have no symptoms until a significant amount of damage has occurred.
A few of the more common age-related eye diseases are:
- Cataracts: a clouding of the crystalline lens behind the pupil from UV and metabolic damage
- Macular degeneration: damage to the part of your retina that processes your central vision
- Diabetic retinopathy: damage to the blood vessels of the retina related to diabetes
- Glaucoma: damage to the optic nerve head that damages peripheral vision first, but can damage central vision if left untreated
There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of vision loss:
- Don't smoke: This is so important! Especially with regards to macular degeneration, this is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and your eye health.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Exercise and healthy eating are great for overall health, and reduces your risk of diabetes.
- Eat dark, leafy greens: Spinach, collard greens, kale. You'd be surprised how easy it is to work these into your normal diet with a little creativity.
- Wear sunglasses: This reduces the UV exposure to your eyes and the surrounding skin. Not sure if your sunglasses actually block UV light? Bring them in to our office; we have a machine that can measure that.
- Get your annual exams with both your primary care physician and your eye care professional. The best approach is preventative medicine and catching things early.