People age. So do their eyes. What is life with eyes that can’t see clearly or, worst, can’t see at all? The best approach to enjoying a quality adult life is keeping the eyes healthy.
Taking Care of the Eyes
Age-related vision problems are normal events in aging that should not cause alarm if proper care of the eyes is observed. Incorporating the following practices into one’s daily life help maintain healthy aging eyes:
1. Eating a healthy and balanced diet – Fruits and colorful vegetables are excellent sources of antioxidants that are believed to help reduce the risks of cataract. Omega 3 fatty acids, walnuts as well as flaxseed oil and canola oil for cooking prevent dry eyes. Macular degeneration can likewise be prevented or delayed by eating protein foods made from lean meat, fish, eggs, legumes and nuts. Whole grains and cereals contain fibers that neutralize unwanted fats. Eye vitamin and vision supplement intake should always be approved by a doctor.
2. Exercising the eyes – There are many eye exercises that are meant to maintain eyesight level for vision enhancement. For people with existing eye conditions, they need to consult their eye doctor to avoid strain or further eye damage before doing the exercises. Below are some examples:
· Repeatedly closing the eyes tightly for a few seconds
· Rolling the eyes clockwise and counter clockwise alternately and blinking in between
· Focusing the eyes on a distant object and slowly refocusing them on a nearby object while not moving the head
· Making normal up and down and side to side movements of the eyes
3. Providing enough lighting when reading or handling tiny objects – The pupils of older adults no longer open as widely as when they were younger, allowing lesser light to reach the retina. Extra lighting aids aging retinas in more effective vision processing.
4. Protecting the eyes from UV light – Quality dark sunglasses prescribed by an optician and wide brimmed hats can help protect the eyes from intensive UV exposure.
5. Seeing an eye doctor regularly – Having eye examinations once every two years allow early detection and treatment of eye diseases. This should be accompanied by a complete physical examination to manage related conditions causing the eye disease.
Warning Signs
If sudden changes in vision happen even while observing a healthy eye care routine, consult an eye doctor without delay.
