Although some visual changes are a normal part of aging, they shouldn’t interfere with your daily efficiency or reduce your quality of life. As we celebrate Healthy Aging Month this September, let your reliable optometrist from Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic share some key steps you can take to maintain your visual health as you age:
Eat Right
Many food groups are loaded with eye-friendly nutrients. Cold-water fish, for example, is a great source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which keep your eyes lubricated and reduce ocular inflammation, preventing dry eyes. Salmon, tuna, and mackerel are other eye-friendly foods to incorporate into your diet.
Exercise Regularly and Avoid Sight-Threatening Habits
Your trusted optometrist encourages you to exercise regularly. This helps encourage proper blood circulation in your body, ensuring adequate nutrient and oxygen delivery to your eyes. In addition, always avoid sight-threatening behaviors like smoking. Cigarettes contain chemicals that impede blood flow in your eyes, which heightens your risk of age-related eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy.
Protect Your Eyes With Safety Eyewear
Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can increase your risk of developing photokeratitis, cataracts, and retinal problems later on. This is why it’s essential to wear sunglasses with 100 UV protection whenever spending time outside. We also suggest wearing protective goggles when handling chemicals or doing hazardous tasks to prevent eye injuries or accidents.
Visit Your Eye Care Specialist
Most importantly, visit your expert optometrist regularly. We will perform a comprehensive eye exam to detect underlying eye conditions. The earlier we identify such conditions, the sooner we can manage them and halt their progression. This way, you can enjoy stable visual health throughout your golden years.
Lastly, understanding common age-related eye problems is another important component of safeguarding your visual health as you age. Check out the first installment of this two-part blog to learn more. You may also call us at (425) 771-8472 for Alderwood Optical or (425) 485-0430 for Canyon Park Vision Clinic to request an appointment. We serve Bothell, Lynnwood, and Shoreline, WA.