The fear of losing one sight is one of the most worry some thought that crosses one mind so here are some simple steps you can take to protect your eyesight as you get older.
- Find out about your family’s health history. Do you or any of your family members suffer from diabetes or have high blood pressure?
- Regular eye exams can detect problems early and help preserve your eyesight. Have regular exams to check for diabetes and high blood pressure. If left untreated, these diseases can cause eye problems. In particular, diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
- Look for changes in your vision. If you start noticing changes in your vision, see your eye doctor immediately. Trouble signs include double vision, hazy vision and difficulty seeing in low light conditions. Other signs to look for are frequent flashes of light, floaters, and eye pain and swelling. All of these signs and symptoms can indicate a potential eye health problem that needs immediate attention.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Numerous studies have shown that antioxidants can possibly reduce the risk of cataracts. These antioxidants are obtained from eating a diet containing plentiful amounts of fruits and colorful vegetables such as carrots. Studies have also shown that eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids may also prevent macular degeneration.
- Get your eyes checked at least every two years. A thorough eye exam, including dilating your pupils, can detect major eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, which has no early warning signs or symptoms. A comprehensive eye exam also can ensure that your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses is accurate and up-to-date.
These steps does not guarantee perfect vision but maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having regular eye exams will certainly decrease your risk of you losing your sight.