Top Tips for Caring for Ageing Eyes
There are some things we simply can’t control as we grow older: Our declining ability to climb stairs, the fact that we can no longer party like we did in our 30s, and the inevitable sprouting of grey hairs all come to mind.
While we can hide or postpone some things with the help of cosmetics, these are mostly just a natural part of the ageing process that must simply be accepted. And our eyes are not spared the effects of ageing, either. In fact, you might be surprised to learn just how susceptible our eyes are to the ageing process.
Issues like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration are all increasingly common as we get older. People of a certain age are also more likely to develop health issues, such as diabetes, which can further increase the risk of eye-related complications.
While nothing can prevent your eyes from ageing altogether, thankfully, there are several things you can do to maintain your eye health and slow down the effects of ageing as you get older.
By taking note of the ten tips below, you could potentially slow age-related damage to your eyes. In turn, this could increase your capacity to take part in regular activities and maintain your independence for longer.
1. Attend regular eye exams
One of the most important things you can do for your eye health as you get older is attend regular eye exams. Age is a significant risk factor for many eye conditions and diseases, including glaucoma and retinal damage. Often, these issues can develop without noticeable symptoms, with many patients experiencing no problems with their vision at first.
Thankfully, doctors can often spot the early signs of glaucoma and other eye conditions through a routine eye exam. Depending on your personal risk factors and the findings of an initial eye exam, your doctor will recommend how often you need to see them to manage your risk. However, it is generally advised that everyone have an eye test at least every two years.
2. Wear sunglasses (and not just when it’s sunny!)
Ultraviolet (UV) rays can be extremely damaging to our skin and eyes, making adequate protection essential. Not only has UV exposure been found to contribute to the formation of cataracts, but it is also a factor in the development of macular degeneration.
All of this makes your sunglasses an essential bit of kit for your eye protection. UV rays can even penetrate through clouds and become more powerful when bouncing off water or snow. So, you shouldn’t just dig out the shades on sunny days! Always keep them handy and ensure they offer 100% UV protection to ensure the maximum amount of defence for your eyes.
3. Wear a hat for added protection
Of course, sunglasses aren’t the only fashion accessory that can act as a barrier between your eyes and the sun. Hats can also help to protect your eyes (and face) from powerful solar rays – and they come with a huge range of options to choose from!
Sun hats offer an additional layer of protection if you’re outside in the sun for long periods. For example, you might want to invest in a cap or a bucket hat if you enjoy long spells of gardening or playing a few rounds of golf.
Donning a hat can also help protect your skin from the sun, too. That’s what we call a win-win situation!
4. Eat an eye-friendly diet
We are all well aware of how important our diet can be for our overall health. However, most of us overlook the role our diet can play, specifically in the health of our eyes, especially as we get older.
It is generally advised that we all eat plenty of fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced diet. But some studies suggest that antioxidants, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, may help to lower the risk of certain eye conditions, including glaucoma and cataracts.
Both of these antioxidants can be found in a range of foods; however, they are produced in particularly high levels in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, including carrots, corn, squash, and citrus fruits. They can also be found in leafy green vegetables such a spinach and kale.
5. Take your vitamins
In addition to antioxidants, other vitamins and minerals have been found to contribute to good eye health. This includes vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc – all of which are important in a healthy and balanced diet.
However, it’s not always possible to get all the nutrients we need through diet alone. This is due to a number of factors, including the impact of overfarming on the nutrient richness of our soil.
Thankfully, there is a wide range of multivitamins available on the market. These can be found at pharmacies, health shops, and even your local supermarket! Choose one that best fits the requirements for your age, lifestyle, and any recommendations from your doctor.
6. Stop smoking
Smoking can be detrimental to many aspects of our health. It is linked to a huge number of diseases, including between 10 and 20 different kinds of cancer; however, it can also be hugely damaging to our eyes.
Smoking has been associated with several eye diseases, largely because it reduces blood flow to the eyes while also exposing them to harmful chemicals. Moreover, the risk of conditions like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy can be further elevated by smoking.
7. Shed some light on the subject
Eye strain is something that is bound to happen from time to time. Many things can cause strain to our eyes, from excessive screen time to an incorrect glasses prescription. But poor lighting is a factor that can affect our eyes on a day-to-day basis.
Reading or performing close tasks in poor lighting can cause us to strain in order to see what we are doing. Often, we might not even realise we are doing this, but as it is something that can be so easily controlled, it is important to be more aware of it. Simply making sure your work area is adequately lit, or placing a lamp in your favourite reading spot can help reduce any unnecessary strain on your eyes and prevent long-term damage.
8. Take a break from your screens
Excessive screen time can also lead to unnecessary eye strain and dry eyes. It is, therefore, important to take regular breaks from your computer, TV, phone (or reading, for that matter!). It is also a good idea to apply blue light filters where possible (or invest in some blue light glasses), as this kind of light is most damaging to your eyes.
Every twenty minutes or so, take a break from your screen to focus on an object in the distance, at least twenty feet away, for at least twenty seconds. This will allow your eyes to recalibrate and get some well-needed rest.
9. Get sufficient sleep
Sleep is more important to our health than many of us realise. In fact, it is crucial in every aspect of our health, from our physical functioning to our mental well-being. And, of course, it is also vital for maintaining our eye health.
Not getting enough sleep means you are more likely to strain your eyes as you try to overcompensate. On the flipside of that, sufficient sleep can help soothe eye strain, giving the tiny muscles around the eyes the time they need to relax and recover. The bottom line is, a good night’s sleep never becomes less important, no matter how old you get.
10. Notice the warning signs
Getting older inevitably puts you at a higher risk of developing potentially vision-threatening problems. The good news is that many of these conditions are treatable when they are caught early enough.
It is important to educate yourself on the warning signs of age-related eye problems. This will allow you to spot any symptoms as early as possible, whether that be blurry vision, eye pain, the appearance of halos and starbursts, or trouble seeing at night. While it might be nothing to worry about, it is always worth getting the opinion of a healthcare professional.
It’s not possible to turn back the clock, but there is plenty you can do to maintain your eye health as you get older. To find out how Laser Eye Surgery can help you keep your clear, too, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators or Book a Consultation today.