No matter how old you are, you don’t have to suffer from poor eyesight. Maintaining your vision, even well into your golden years, can be easily achieved with a few simple things.
Keep Your Eyes Lubricated
Dry Eye Syndrome (medically known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is a common ailment where eyes feel dry and irritated. People of all ages experience it, but the condition becomes more common as we get older. The cause is commonly that the tear film doesn’t have the correct consistency of water, mucus and oil. What can you do? Keep hydrated by drinking lots of water. Also, the heat and air-conditioning in your car or home play a large role in keeping your eyes properly lubricated. Make sure vents are not blowing directly in your face and use a humidifier to keep moisture in the air, especially during cold, dry winters. Over the counter or prescription eye drops can also keep eyes moisturized, especially if you spend a lot of time looking at a computer or phone.
Maintain Your Overall Health
We all know exercising and eating healthy can improve your quality of life. But there are also amazing benefits for your eyesight. The increased circulation from exercise can lower pressure in the eyes alleviating symptoms of glaucoma. Avoiding processed foods and vegetable oils and opting instead for fresh veggies and fish like tuna or salmon will provide the lutein (especially dark leafy greens) and Omega-3’s that help keep your eyes healthy.
Eye Exams
Though you may feel your vision is perfect and your eyes are as healthy as can be, visiting your eye care professional for a comprehensive eye exam is still essential. Exams help your eye doctor detect small issues in your vision (like needing a minor change in your prescription) as well as larger issues with no apparent symptoms like macular degeneration or early warning signs of other health issues like diabetes. The only way for these issues and others to be detected is through a comprehensive exam. Catching these in their early stages could mean the difference between healthy long-term vision and permanent damage.
Keeping your eyes healthy is essential to being able to continue a full lifestyle, no matter how old you are. We’re here to help you get more out of your vision plan benefits! To sign up for a Vision Plan through your association and AMBA, visit www.AMBAdentalvision.com or call 866-979-0497.
