September is Healthy Aging Month, to bring awareness to vision health among older adults. Come celebrate by having a comprehensive eye exam at Lake Nona Eye Care.
Today, there are over two million adults over 40 years of age who have age related macular degeneration. (which is the leading cause of blindness over 50). Those with cataracts reaches over 24.4 million, 3 million has low vision, 2.7 million has glaucoma, and 7.7 million have diabetic retinopathy.
As our population increases and people are living longer the numbers with age related eye diseases are expected to double and even triple for those will low vision problems.
Normal age related vision issues include needing more light to see well, difficulty reading, and trouble distinguishing colors such as black from blue. These problems can be corrected with prescription glasses.
As we age, there is a higher risk of eye conditions such as cataracts, dry eyes, age related degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. The key to detecting and treating many of these diseases, some of which do not have any warning signs, is a comprehensive eye exam.
Here are a Few Tips for a Lifetime of Good Vision
Eat a healthy and a balanced diet. This includes fruits, vegetables, dark leafy greens such as collard greens, kale and spinach. Also foods high in omega 3 fatty acids, such as fish, halibut, tuna, and salmon.
Maintain a healthy weight. Type 2 diabetes is associated with being overweight. Complications can lead to glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and eventually loss of vision.
Quit smoking. Smoking can be detrimental to your eyes. Increasing your risk of cataracts, age related macular degeneration, and other vision problems that affect the optic nerve.
Protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays by wearing sunglasses that block both UV-A and UV-B radiation and also wear a brimmed hat when in the sun.
“Periodic eye and vision examinations are an important part of preventive health care. Many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms. As a result, individuals are often unaware that problems exist. Early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems are important for maintaining good vision and eye health, and when possible, preventing vision loss.” according to the American Optometric Association.
Regardless of your physical well-being or your age, routine eye exams are vital for healthy eyes. Many eye diseases threaten more than just our vision, they can affect our overall well being.
Have your best vision at every stage of life, with a comprehensive exam at Lake Nona Eye Care. We are excited to announce the recent opening our new office in the Eagle Creek Publix shopping center.