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5 Ways to Care for Your Eyes and Vision After 50
As we age, our eyes naturally change, but poor vision isn’t something you have to accept. With the proper care, you can protect your sight and keep your eyes healthy for years to come.
The experienced team at Negrey Eye Associates in Havertown, Pennsylvania, is here to help. If you’re over 50, now’s the perfect time to take a proactive approach to eye health. Whether you’ve noticed changes or simply want to stay ahead, these five simple habits can make a lasting difference.
1. Get regular eye exams
One of the best things you can do for your vision is to schedule regular eye exams. After 50, your risk for common eye conditions increases. Cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy all become more likely with age.
Many of these issues can develop without obvious symptoms at first. A comprehensive eye exam checks your vision and gives our team a chance to catch early signs of disease before they affect your quality of life.
For most adults over 50, an exam every one to two years is a good rule of thumb. If you have existing eye conditions, diabetes, or a family history of eye disease, you may need to go more often.
2. Protect your eyes from the sun
You probably already use sunscreen to protect your skin, but your eyes need protection too. Long-term exposure to UV rays can increase your risk of cataracts and other eye problems. It’s easy to overlook, especially on cloudy days or in cooler weather.
Make it a habit to wear sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Look for a label that says “UV400” or “100% UV protection.” A wide-brimmed hat can also help block sunlight and protect the delicate skin around your eyes. These small habits can help preserve your vision over time.
3. Eat for your eyes
What you eat plays a role in your eye health. Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids support your vision and help protect against age-related conditions like macular degeneration. A colorful, nutrient-dense diet doesn’t just benefit your body, it feeds your eyes, too.
Try including more leafy greens like spinach and kale, brightly colored vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes, and fish like salmon and sardines. Citrus fruits, eggs, and nuts are also helpful. If you’re not getting enough of these nutrients through food, talk to our team about whether supplements might be a good option.
4. Manage your overall health
Your eyes are part of your body, and they reflect your overall health. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can all damage your vision if they’re not under control. That’s why managing chronic health issues is also an essential part of eye care.
Take your medications as prescribed, keep up with regular doctor visits, and stay physically active. If you smoke, now’s the time to quit. Smoking significantly increases your risk for cataracts, macular degeneration, and other serious eye problems. Even reducing how much you smoke can benefit your eyes in the long run.
5. Use your eyes wisely every day
The way you use your eyes daily can have a lasting impact. As more people spend hours looking at screens for work, hobbies, or staying connected, it’s easy to experience eye strain without realizing it. Try to keep your screens at eye level, reduce glare by adjusting your lighting, and make an effort to blink more often to keep your eyes from drying out.
Give your eyes regular breaks, especially when reading or doing close-up work. One helpful guideline is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. If your eyes feel dry or tired by the end of the day, it may be time to tweak your habits.
Schedule an exam today
Turning 50 isn’t the beginning of the end for your vision. It can be the beginning of a more innovative approach to eye care. Call our office, or schedule your appointment online today to keep your eyes healthy as you age.
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