Ask Your Ophthalmologist > How to Keep Your Aging Eyes Healthy

If you are in your 60s or older, you are probably becoming more concerned with how to maintain health and preserve function in body, mind – and not to forget the eyes. Normal aging of the eyes does not have to lead to low vision. Here are some tips for maintaining eye health as you age:

What affects the body also affects the eyes. Systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure can damage the eyes. Keep your Atlantic Eye ophthalmologist in the loop about your health conditions and any medications that you take. Sharing your family’s health history will also help to identify your risk factors.

Immediately report any changes in your vision, such as loss of peripheral (side) vision, blurred or hazy vision or night blindness, or if you’re having trouble recognizing faces, reading, driving, or shopping.

Prevent Eye Injuries. Keep a pair of certified safety glasses at home to protect your eyes if you’re doing a home improvement project or any activity that might expose your eyes to hazards.

Minimize your risk of falls: At home, remove trip-hazards like small rugs, and make sure that bath mats are slip-proof. Cushion sharp corners and edges on furniture, and increase lighting so you can see more clearly.

Exercise benefits the eyes, too. Benefits can be derived from most kinds of regular exercise from yoga, tai chi, and gentle stretching, to more active recreational activities (with appropriate eye protection!).

Sleep Well! While it’s important to protect from over-exposure to UV light, our eyes need some natural light every day to help maintain normal sleep-wake cycles.

Women have a slightly higher risk for eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts, so ladies, don’t neglect regular eye screening exams.

As you age, it’s even more important to join forces with your Atlantic Eye ophthalmologist to identify problems and maximize vision.

Call for an appointment today at one of our four locations: 732-222-7373.