Tips for Healthy Vision

The expression “the eyes are the window to the soul” is attributed to William Shakespeare, and in fact it turns out that the eyes can be a window into the overall state of a person’s health and well-being. Vision health is important at any age, but it becomes even more critical after the age of 40. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than 2.5 million people in the US have cataracts and more than 2.7 million suffer from age-related macular degeneration. From reading and driving, to exercising and using a computer, maintaining healthy vision is an important contributing factor to living a fulfilling and healthy life. Here are some tips to maintain eye health at any age.

Practice Good Eye Care
Visiting your eye doctor every couple of years is not sufficient for good eye care. Plan at the minimum an annual check-up with your eye care professional, and request that the visit include a dilation of the eyes as this will permit a complete exam of the retina. Also be sure that your glasses and contacts are checked regularly and that your eye doctor is aware of any current health issues as many health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can also impact vision.

Identify Eye Issues Early
One of the keys for dealing with vision issues is catching the problem early. It’s important to be mindful of any vision problems as they could be symptoms of a larger health issue. Notify your ophthalmologist right away of you suddenly experience dry or watery eyes, excessive itching, night blindness, blurred vision, have depth-perception issues or headaches or if you start seeing spots or notice a loss of color or empty spots in your range of vision.

Eat Your Greens
Besides greens there are actually several nutritious foods that contribute to eye health. A diet that is rich in vitamins C and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids and the nutrients zinc and lutein can be helpful for boosting and maintaining the health of your eyes. Pile up your plate with leafy greens, nuts, salmon, oranges, mangos, sweet potatoes, carrots, eggs and beans.

Avoid Eye Strain
Eye strain has become more prevalent due to the widespread use of smartphones, tablets, laptops, personal computers and eReaders. To avoid eye strain while using electronic devices, take frequent breaks and blink often. Experts recommend looking away for your device every 20 minutes to stare at a distant object for at least 20 seconds. Also, you might consider purchasing eyeglasses or contact lenses that block the potential harmful blue light that is emitted from screens. Lastly, be sure to wear sunglasses when outdoors in order to avoid exposure to extremely bright sunlight and to cut down on issues with glare.

Healthy vision is an important component of maintaining an active, fulfilling lifestyle. At Daylesford Crossing, eye health is just one small part of our wellness program. Schedule a tour today to learn more about our various supportive care programs, designed for aging well.