Eye Disease

Keeping Eye Disease Due To Aging At Bay

Eyes are the most beautiful gift of God. We see the world through our eyes. But as we age, our eyes become prone to several eye diseases. Some of these vision disorders are cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. However, there are a few precautions, which if taken, can keep eye diseases at bay.

Diet

Diet has a huge effect on the health of our eyes. A diet rich in vitamins and nutrients can help prevent various age-related eye disorders. A person should include fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts in his diet. The diet should have antioxidants, flavonoids, and lycopene. These are found in foods such as broccoli, oranges, tomatoes and carrots. Some minerals like zinc are also essential for the good health of the eyes. A proper diet can help prevent macular degeneration, which is a common age-related eye disease. In this disease the macula of the eye is affected, which leads to impaired vision and in a few cases can lead to blindness. Also, people should refrain from eating high quantities of saturated and trans fats.

Protect Eyes From Ultraviolet Rays

You should always use sunglasses that provide UV A and UV B protection before stepping out of the home or office. Ultraviolet rays can badly damage your eyes resulting in an eye disease. If you wear spectacles or eye lenses, make sure that they are ultraviolet-ray-protected.

Quit Smoking

If you are a smoker, you are at increased risk of contracting an eye disease with advancing age. Cut back on smoking or completely give up this habit. When you smoke, the chemicals present in the cigarette enter the body, adversely affecting the functioning of various body parts, including the eyes. Persons who smoke are prone to macular degeneration, thyroid eye disease and cataract.

Regular Eye Examination

As you age, you should undergo regular eye examinations. People suffering from diseases like thyroid, hypertension, diabetes and so on should go for frequent eye check-ups, while those leading a healthy life should go for an annual examination after the age of 40. This would help in early detection of eye disease, if any, protecting you from complications later.

Consult Doctor

If you are suffering from any eye problem like eye irritation or redness, you should not self-medicate. Overuse of eye drops may harm your eyes. Always consult your doctor.

Exercise

Regular exercise can help prevent an eye disease. Besides doing your day-to-day exercises like walking, weight training, cardio or swimming, you should include a few exercises meant for eyes. This will strengthen eye muscles and reduce the affects of aging on your eyes.

Do Not Wear Eye Lenses For Long

Even if you use extended wear eye lenses, you should avoid wearing them for too long. Remove them while sleeping or while relaxing or chilling out, but only if it does not adversely affect you otherwise. Wearing eye lenses for long can result in an eye disease.