As you age, maintaining good vision health is a key part of staying active and involved in the activities you love. While some weakening of vision is typical with aging and can be reduced with corrective lenses, a bigger concern is cataracts. Cataracts occur when the eye’s lens clouds over, and this condition is the most common cause of vision loss in adults over forty and the world’s leading cause of blindness. The good news is, we have the senior health news you need to minimize your risk of cataracts.
Avoiding cataracts isn’t a matter of genetics or luck. Cataracts are a common medical condition where the risk can be controlled or minimized through common-sense steps to protect your vision. Here at Senior Health & Lifestyle News, our senior health news team has put together six ways you can keep your eyesight healthy and keep enjoying all the sights and activities you’re used to.
Senior Health News | 6 Tips for Preventing Cataracts
Protect Your Eyes
Sunglasses are fashionable and comfortable, but they’re also one of the best ways to protect your vision. Ultraviolet light can damage the proteins in your lens, increasing the risk of cataracts. Sunglasses filter over ninety-nine percent of UV rays and up to ninety percent of visual light, making them ideal for any time you’re spending extended periods in the sun or looking at a screen.
Know Your Family History
If your parents or other older relatives lost their vision due to cataracts or had a history of high blood pressure or diabetes, you may be susceptible to the same conditions. This doesn’t mean you’re destined for the same – it means you have a warning and can take corrective measures before the first symptoms.
See an Eye Doctor Regularly
Even if you’re not at a high risk for cataracts, a regular visit to your optician can put your mind at ease. A check-up is recommended every two years to compare your current eye tests with previous ones gives you a clear picture of the health of your vision. If you notice any sudden change in your vision such as finding it harder to read, schedule an appointment immediately.
Keep an Eye on Your Diet
Maintaining a healthy diet has many health benefits, and healthy vision is included. Keeping your blood sugar low reduces the risk of diabetes, and maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure reduces the risk of heart disease – both of which can impact your vision if untreated. Studies also show a diet rich in antioxidants found in fruits and green vegetables may reduce the risk of cataracts.
Quit Smoking (or Don’t Start!)
Few are the health conditions that quitting smoking don’t help. Studies show people who smoke have a higher risk of developing cataracts and other eye ailments like macular degeneration. If you smoke, quitting at any stage begins the healing process and reduces your risks.
Stay Active
Studies show that regular physical activity reduces the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. This doesn’t mean strenuous exercise – it can be as simple as going for a walk down the block or around the grounds. Regular exercise also reduces the risk of related health conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
Protect Your Eyesight Today
The best ways to prevent cataracts are by following simple, proven tips that improve your overall health. Keep an eye on diet and exercise, stay on top of your health, and protect your eyes from the sun. You’re not only protecting your eyes, you’re living a lifestyle that will keep you healthier longer. Follow Senior Health & Lifestyle News for more senior health news, or contact us with any questions today.
