Eye health is an important part of your general health, even more so as you grow older. The American Aging Association knows that your body will age in its own way. Studies show that if you keep yourself healthy, you will lower your risk of developing age-related eye issues. Here are the details to consider in maintaining healthy eyesight as you age.

See Your Eye Doctor for a Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exam

Many vision issues occur without symptoms. Getting a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to be sure that your eyes are healthy as you age. It is better to have your eye doctor check and give you the facts rather than invest in the belief that you have healthy eyesight. A comprehensive dilated eye exam can detect slow-developing eye conditions early.

The eye doctor will place dilating eye drops in your eyes. This will cause your pupils to get bigger, allowing your eyes to receive more light. The dilation lets your eye doctor look at the back part of your eyes. The doctor will check if this area has any signs of disease or damage. Once there is a sign of early eye disease, you will receive treatments for it right away.

Keep Blood Sugar Levels Within a Normal Range

Vision loss from diabetes is a preventable condition. Your healthcare provider can help you reach your vision health goals by managing your cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Your good cholesterol must be higher than the bad. In most cases, A1c levels must not exceed seven percent. Keeping your blood pressure within a normal range is also important.

Know Your Family’s History of Eye Health

Your family might have a hereditary eye condition. See if anyone in your family has been diagnosed with an eye condition. This diagnosis can help your eye doctor see if you are at risk for developing an eye condition. Early detection of this risk can help you and your eye doctor slow or even prevent it.

Protect Your Eyes

Protective eyewear while doing chores, spending time in the workshop, or playing sports can prevent eye injuries. Safety shields and goggles are only a couple of protective eyewear that you can use. Most of these eye protective accessories are made from polycarbonate material. These are durable accessories that you can wear again and again. You can get them from sporting goods and lab supply stores.

Maintain a Balanced Diet

Eating more fruits and vegetables, such as citrus and collard greens, gives you the nutrients that you need for your eye health. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain your vision as well. These fatty acids can contribute to the production of quality tear film and the prevention of glaucoma. Halibut, salmon, and tuna are examples of these fish.

You can maintain your eye health even when you reach a certain age. At Today’s Vision, we help our patients maintain and improve their vision and eye health. Please visit our clinic in Laguna Niguel, California, for an in-person consultation. Call 949-518-0055 to set an appointment or inquire about our aging eye care packages.