It’s normal to notice changes in our vision as we get older, like seeing spots (floaters) or experiencing dry eye. Oftentimes these changes are not harmful. However, the risk for developing some eye issues, and the problems those issues can create for your lifestyle, may vary depending on your age or medical history.
Vision problems can affect your independence
Eye issues can impact your ability to safely walk or move around your community and your home. If you drive, eye problems can make it difficult for you to see and stay safe on the road. The good news is you can help reduce and control these inconveniences by keeping your eyes healthy. Here are four actions you can take to improve or maintain your vision and overall eye health:
Wear protection
Sunlight is great for us in many ways, but too much sunlight can be harmful, especially when it comes to our eyes. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is invisible energy from the sun that can penetrate tissues in the eye more easily than visible light. Too much exposure to UV radiation can damage your eye and increase the risk of eye problems, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Wearing proper protection will decrease the risk of damage to your eyes, also reducing the likelihood of developing problems like cataracts and AMD. One way to protect your eyes is by wearing sunglasses with protective ultraviolet (UV) lenses, which are made to block the sun’s UV radiation. The National Eye Institute recommends only buying sunglasses that are clearly marked as providing 99-100% protection from UVA and UVB, or marked as having a UV400 rating. Another way to protect your eyes is by wearing headwear that blocks sunlight from your face, like a wide-brimmed hat.
Eat healthy
A healthy diet is an effective way to keep eye issues from happening or worsening. According to AARP, foods that are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and omega-3 fatty acids can boost your vision and eye function. Such foods include salmon, eggs, carrots, and dark, leafy vegetables. Eating healthy foods can also help prevent issues with your overall health that are likely to affect your eyesight in the long-run. Diabetes, for example, increases the risk of damaging blood vessels in the retina (a part of your eye) which can lead to permanent vision loss, according to the CDC. Obesity can also increase the risk of developing eye diseases, like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), that can impact your vision, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Avoid tobacco
According to the U.S. FDA, smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products can damage important parts of your eyes, such as your retina and lens, that are necessary for maintaining clear eyesight. Quitting the use of tobacco products, or avoiding tobacco products altogether, lowers your risk of developing eye problems. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, current and former smokers are four times more at risk of developing AMD than those who never smoked. This is because smoking causes blood vessels in the eyes to become narrow, and harms eye cells. The American Academy of Opthalmology states that smoking can worsen symptoms of dry eye, like burning and redness, and increase the risk of cataracts, which affects your sight.
Get regular eye exams
Going to an eye care professional for regular eye exams can help catch potential eye problems early on before they become serious. Some conditions, like cataracts and glaucoma, have few or no symptoms but can lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated. Eye exams can also reveal conditions that impact your overall health, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and some cancers. An eye care specialist – such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist – will test and examine your eyes, and start treatments if any issues are found. The American Academy of Opthalmology recommends that all adults without eye problems get a standard eye exam by age 40 because early signs of disease and changes in vision often begin at this age. Older adults (aged 65 and over) should see a specialist every 1-2 years. People at any age who experience vision problems or other eye issues should see a specialist as soon as possible.
It is also important to note that even though Medicare covers many health services, routine eye care is not one of them. Medicaid (HUSKY Health), on the other hand, offers different types of eye coverage plans for medical equipment, eye exams, glasses, and more. Learn more about HUSKY Health’s vision coverage.
