Let’s face it, aging can be very difficult on our vision and our mind.  Several studies conclude, cognitive impairment and visual acuity were linked, with the driving force being vision. 

“The number of U.S. residents older than 65 years is projected to more than double in the next 40 years, increasing from 40.2 million in 2010 to 88.5 million in 2050,” the researchers write, according to the American Optometric Association.

“Maintaining good cognitive ability is crucial for older adults’ day-to-day functions and an essential component in healthy aging. Understanding the cognitive changes that accompany aging and finding ways to slow down the pace of cognitive decline is critical for maintaining well-being in late life.”

Being proactive in the health of our vision is vital in prevention of visual impairment and disabling ocular conditions.

“As a profession, we need to take these findings seriously and ensure, to the best of our ability, that we attend to all the visual needs of seniors,” Dr. Wartman, who served on the committee that revised the AOA’s Optometric Care of Nursing Home Residents manual said. “This becomes more important as the population ages. We need to be even more aggressive in our public health messaging to ensure that the public understands the importance of preventative care and measures to protect vision throughout life.”

What steps can you take to protect your vision?

Have regular eye exams: The success to saving your vision is with early detection and treatment. Many conditions have little to no symptoms, especially in the early stages. All it takes is a comprehensive eye exam to save your sight. 

Understand your family history: There are genetic risk factors for many eye diseases, age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. 

Eat healthy: Reduce your risk of developing eye conditions by eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins found in orange and green leafy vegetables. 

Wear sunglasses: The sun can damage our eyes, especially here in Central Florida. Protect them by wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection.

If you smoke, Stop!: Research found smokers are more like to develop eye conditions, such as AMD.

Regular exercise: You can reduce your risk of developing vision impairment such as AMD with regular exercise.  

Manage your diabetes: you can reduce your risk of diabetic retinopathy just by managing your blood sugar. 

Wear eye protection: An injury to your eye can happen in seconds! You don’t get a second chance, so wear eye protection, especially if you work with dangerous equipment, power tools, or play sports. 

Catching issues early is an important key to everyone’s long-term vision health. The Vision Team at Lake Nona Eye Care provides a comprehensive eye examination in a positive relaxed, environment for children and adults, ages 5 and up.

Make an appointment with Lake Nona Eye Care at one of our two Lake Nona locations, Moss Park 407-658-9990 and Eagle Creek 407-930-5305