Protecting your eyes is crucial especially when we age. Our eyes give us sight and vision that are precious. Without them, we are unable to fully enjoy what this world has to offer. This is why it is important to maintain our eye health!
As we age, many of us may experience declines in visual acuity. The lenses in the eye become stiffer which makes it difficult for older adults to focus on objects that are further away or in close vicinity. Sometimes, this decline could be due to genetics. Some older adults may have cataracts which are blurred vision due to the clouding of the lens in the eye. However, surgery can easily solve the blurred vision and can sometimes result in better vision than before!
Diabetic patients may suffer from diabetic retinopathy where there is damage to the blood vessels at the retina in the eye, this could cause floaters and double vision. As we age, we may encounter muscular degeneration which could affect the nerve tissues near the back of the eye which can cause distorted vision. Though there may be visual changes associated with aging that are unavoidable, there are some tips that we can try to help protect our eyes and maintain eye health!
Exercise
Exercising is a great way to improve your blood circulation to the rest of your body, including your eyes. It can help you control conditions that can potentially affect your eyes, these conditions could include diabetes and high blood pressure. Just remember that an exercise routine does not need to be extreme for it to be effective. Doing what your loved ones are capable of and consistently doing it is far more effective than one highly intensive exercise program. Generally, having moderate exercise for about 150 minutes every week is adequate.
Protect from UV Rays
Having high exposure to UV rays is detrimental to your eyes. UV rays increase the risk of developing cataracts and can also cause muscular degeneration. When your loved ones drive or walk on the streets, be sure to wear some nice sunglasses to protect your eyes! Your loved ones can pick wraparound glasses that provide the best protection!
Control Blood Sugar
Having a high sugar intake could lead to diabetes. Diabetes can affect every part of your body, this would also include your eyes. Diabetes can increase the risk of damage to the blood vessels and nerves at the eyes, causing blurred vision and could lead to impairment. If your loved ones are diabetic, it is important to have regular checks on your blood sugar level and see a doctor if your blood sugar level is higher than usual.
Stop Smoking
Many of us know that smoking hurts our lungs and our heart but not many of us know that it can also damage our eyes. The chemicals found in these cigarettes can potentially damage the structures in the eyes like the blood vessels in them. Reducing the number of sticks a day will greatly improve your general health as well as your eye health.
