Age can affect your eyes in a variety of ways, so it’s important to take care of them. Learn how to take care of your eyes as you age.
Worrying about your vision as you age is natural, especially since three of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S. become more common as you age. The following is an overview of these three eye conditions and how you can protect your eyes as you age.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a clouding of the eye lens that impairs vision and the only way to cure it is with surgery. While the procedure is very safe and effective, some doctors may recommend newer types of lenses that pose risks.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, most people only need to be free of infection and have a normal heart rate and blood pressure before the surgery. If your doctor wants to order other tests, ask them if you can skip them.
Also, consider the type of artificial lenses your doctor will use to replace your clouded lens. There are mono-focal, multifocal, premium intraocular, and toric lenses, all at different price points and for different needs.
Glaucoma
While more than 2.2 million Americans have glaucoma, only about half of them know it, which is why screening is important. Moreover, since the condition can lead to permanent vision loss, it’s important to treat it early.
The reason why people don’t know they have glaucoma is that it causes no symptoms until your vision is already declining and treatment no longer works. If you’re older than 40, get regular eye exams to check for it.
Many eye doctors use a test called tonometry, which checks eye pressure, to test for glaucoma. However, this test is not enough; make sure they also do ophthalmoscopy to examine your optic nerve.
Macular Degeneration
People 50 years of age and older may experience macular degeneration, which damages the macula and causes vision loss in the center of your visual field. There are two main forms: dry AMD, which can be treated with supplements, and wet AMD, which requires monthly injections. As you seek treatment, make sure you get the right supplements and consider inexpensive medication like Avastin to treat it.
The Outlook
Taking care of your vision as you age is important, so make sure you get your eyes checked as you get older. You can also boost your eye health by taking certain supplements like Eye & Vision Support.
The supplement contains ingredients that promote a healthy retina, stronger corneas, healthy blood vessel growth in the eye, and more. If you want to support your eye health, then get regular eye exams and take Eye & Vision Support.