Below we share a list of tips you can follow to ensure better eye health as you age.
Adopting these habits can significantly improve the quality of your vision & maintain eye health
Eye health can deteriorate with age due to several reasons. Common age-related eye issues include presbyopia which is difficulty focusing on close objects, cataracts i.e. clouding of the eye lens, macular degeneration which causes damage to the central part of the retina, glaucoma or optic nerve damage, and dry eyes. These conditions occur due to natural wear and tear, decreased elasticity of eye structures, oxidative stress, and slowed regenerative capabilities. Additionally, systemic conditions like diabetes and hypertension can impact eye health. However, adopting proactive strategies can help maintain eye health and reduce the risk of vision problems as we age. Keep reading as we share a list of tips you can follow to ensure better eye health as you age.
10 Tips to maintain good eye health as you age
1. Eat a nutrient-dense diet
Incorporate foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and lutein, such as leafy greens, fish, carrots, and nuts. These nutrients combat oxidative stress, promote retinal health, and reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
2. Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps maintain moisture in the eyes, reducing the risk of dry eye syndrome, which becomes more common with age.
3. Wear UV protection
Use sunglasses with 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays, which can contribute to cataracts and macular degeneration.
4. Limit screen time
Practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce digital eye strain and prevent long-term issues caused by prolonged screen use.
5. Manage chronic conditions
Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol can negatively impact eye health. Regular monitoring and management through medication and lifestyle changes are crucial.
6. Get regular eye exams
Schedule annual eye check-ups to detect and address problems early. Comprehensive exams can help identify diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration before significant vision loss occurs.
7. Use adequate lighting
Ensure proper lighting while reading or working to reduce strain on the eyes and prevent fatigue. Avoid direct glare from lights or screens.
8. Quit smoking
Smoking increases the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and dry eye syndrome. Quitting not only benefits your eyes but also overall health.
9. Exercise regularly
Physical activity improves blood circulation, which benefits the eyes by ensuring proper oxygen supply and removing toxins that can contribute to eye diseases.
10. Use artificial tears or humidifiers
To combat dry eyes caused by aging or environmental factors, use artificial tears or install a humidifier to maintain moisture in your living space.
Adopting these habits early on can significantly improve the quality of your vision and maintain eye health well into old age.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.
