Your vision is something you need to protect as you age, but studies show that vision impairment affected around 4% of those at age 65, but that number increases to 16% for those 80 and older.
In order to preserve your eyes to last you a lifetime, you should start thinking about eye health now.
Delmar Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at four ways you can protect your vision as you age.
- Get a Dilated Eye Exam Every Year
This is the most important thing you can do for your eye health. Without a doctor being able to examine the whole eye through a dilated exam, many problems can go undetected before it’s too late. Eye issues that need to be caught early include age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease. Telling your doctor about your family’s eye history is also beneficial.
- Manage Blood Sugar Levels
Blindness is an unfortunately common byproduct of diabetes, but 90% of diabetes-caused blindness is preventable. Keeping your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol in check can preserve your vision.
- Wear Protective Eyewear
Avoid injury when playing sports or doing work around the home by wearing goggles, safety glasses, or other eye guards. In addition, look for sunglasses that block out 99% to 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays from the sun.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
Eat well, exercise regularly, and don’t smoke (or quit if you’re already smoking). Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables are great for your eyes, and on the flip side, smoking increases your risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage.
To learn more about Delmar Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://delmar-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.
