Aging has a profound effect on the human body. While inevitable, the impact of the years gone by does not have to define your senior years. By taking care of yourself, you can enjoy a long, healthy life full of enjoyment. All it takes is a little bit of knowledge and effort.
This is especially true of your eyes. They can be quite delicate and susceptible to the passage of time. So, whether you’re approaching your golden years or already loving them, taking steps to protect your eyes is essential. Don’t worry, though; taking good care of your eyes as you age isn’t difficult.
By following a few basic tips, you can rest assured that your eyes will remain as healthy and functional as possible going forward.
Eye Exams are Essential
Having your eyes examined by an eye care professional is extremely important, especially as people age. Regular eye exams can help ensure your eyes are healthy and that there are no underlying issues currently affecting your eyes or at risk of developing. It is important to note that even eyes that feel healthy can be experiencing problems or be on the cusp of developing them. If you have an eye condition, eye exams can also provide updates on the state of that condition and help prevent it from worsening.
Not only are eye exams integral in maintaining healthy eyes, but they can also reveal serious conditions affecting other parts of the body. High blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and more can all be discovered through an eye exam, giving you and your doctor the early warning needed to address them early and create the best possible outcome.
Avoid Physical Eye Damage
Eye injuries can cause significant damage to your eye health and vision. Unfortunately, the risk of injury is present even if you don’t engage in traditionally dangerous activities like sports or intense physical labor. Daily life is full of potential dangers that range from slippery bathroom floors to poor lighting, and beyond. Evaluate your home and address the problem areas that could lead to eye injury—trust us; the work you do now will reward you with healthier eyes in the future.
It's not just physical trauma that you should focus on preventing, either. Wearing sunglasses with proper UV protection can also prevent eye damage, preserving your eye health and mitigating the inherent risk of exposure to the sun’s rays.
Rest and Restore
Like the rest of your body, your eyes require rest to recover after a hard day’s work. Every day, your eyes are exposed to irritants such as dust. Sleep helps expel these pollutants and prevent eye damage. Part of this healing process involves the natural lubrication of the eyes, and sleep facilitates just that.
If you have trouble sleeping, your eye health could be collateral damage. Ask your doctor how you can improve the quality of your rest, and enjoy healthier, better-feeling eyes as a result.
Whether your eyes are in tip-top shape or have already suffered setbacks, following the tips above can help ensure that they stay as healthy as possible. If you would like more insight into protecting your eyes and maintaining proper eye health as you age, be sure to talk to your doctor. They can address your concerns, evaluate the current state of your eyes, and offer you guidance that is specific to your unique situation.
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