You hear from eye care professionals and other sources how eye care becomes increasingly important as people age. In today’s post, Spectrum Eye Care takes a look at the reasons why you should schedule more frequent eye exams as you get older.

Common Age-Related Eye Conditions

As we get older, our eyes become more susceptible to age-related eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. These conditions can impair human vision, sometimes leading to blindness. Fortunately, some of them can be managed, their impact reduced with early detection and treatment.

Early Detection and Treatment

Regular eye exams help detect potential eye problems at their earliest stages. Some of these conditions are not detected in just one appointment, but in a series of tests. An eye care professional compares findings from previous exams before patterns that point to certain eye problems can be established. Therefore, the sooner these eye exams are begun, the sooner potential problems can be found — and the sooner a treatment or management plan can be made.

Tips for Maintaining Good Eye Health

In addition to regular eye exams, the following are some things that you can do that can further help care for your eyes in your later years.

• Maintain a balanced diet. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support your overall eye health. Some of the nutrients that should be present in your diet include lutein, zeaxanthin (from dark green leafy vegetables), ascorbic acid (from citrus fruits and tomatoes), vitamin E (from vegetable oils and nuts) and omega-3 fatty acids (from cold-water fish like tuna and salmon).

• Protect your eyes from UV rays. Protect your eyes from exposure to direct sunlight with eyewear equipped with UV filters. It’s important to note that some off-the-rack sunglasses usually do not have UV filters; buy only from reputable eyewear stores and eye care centers.

• Manage chronic health conditions. Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can affect your eye health. Manage these health issues through proper medication, regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle.

• Update eyeglasses prescriptions. Keeping your eyewear prescription is important as your vision changes. Wearing the correct prescription can help keep eye strain to a minimum and keep your eyes in good condition.

Spectrum Eye Care is one of the most trusted eye care centers serving clients in Charlotte, NC, and the surrounding communities. Give us a call at (704) 543-9000 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.