Aging takes a toll on every part of your body, including your eyes. We perceive the world around us through our eyesight, which is why it is crucial that we protect our eyes as we grow older. There are steps we can take to reduce the odds of vision loss and proactively treat developing eye diseases. Don’t live with eye pain or strained, impaired vision. Here are the top tips to improve your eyesight and protect your vision in the long run.
Know the common causes of vision loss
According to the CDC, the most common causes of vision loss in the U.S. are age-related eye diseases, like macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Of these, macular degeneration is the leading cause of age-related vision loss. As many as 11 million people in the U.S. have macular degeneration, and that number is expected to double to nearly 22 million by 2050.
Because these eye conditions are so common, it’s crucial to receive regular eye screenings. With the help of skilled eye care professionals, all of these diseases can be detected and treated before they impact your vision.
Schedule annual eye exams
The best way to prevent vision loss as you age is to schedule a yearly eye exam. The board-certified providers at Florida Eye Specialists perform comprehensive, dilated eye exams to screen patients for early signs of vision loss or eye disease. This is because some conditions, like macular degeneration and glaucoma, may have no warning signs before vision loss occurs. They can only be detected early by dilating and examining the eye.
When you arrive at your annual eye exam, a provider will measure your visual acuity and, based on your results, recommend glasses or contact lenses to improve your vision if needed. They will then evaluate the overall health of your eyes and measure your eye pressure, which can be an early indicator of eye disease.
Conduct at-home eye tests
Monitoring your eyes for changes between annual appointments is important as well, especially as you age. Doing so can alert you to a decline in your eye health.
Florida Eye Specialists has a range of free, at-home eye tests and quizzes you can take to test your visual health:
- Amsler grid for macular degeneration
- Near acuity chart
- Cataract quiz
- Age-related macular degeneration quiz
Ask about your family’s health history
Talk to your family members about their eye health and overall health, as many people are at increased risk for vision loss due to their family’s medical history. Some eye conditions, like glaucoma, are hereditary and may not have symptoms until vision loss occurs. That’s why knowing your family’s history and sharing it with your eye doctor can help safeguard your sight.
At Florida Eye Specialists, we’re your partner in your vision care. That’s why your provider goes beyond screening you for hereditary eye conditions. They will also talk with you about the specific risks associated with those diseases, and give you all the information you need to keep your eyes healthy despite your family history.
Learn the signs of common eye conditions
You should know the signs of common eye conditions, and if you notice them in yourself, call your doctor to schedule an exam. For example, cataracts can lead to poor night vision, seeing halos around lights, and a blurring of your vision. Macular degeneration, on the other hand, can cause blurred or distorted vision, blind spots, reduced central vision, and difficulty adapting to low light levels.
Don’t give up on your sight
You don’t have to live with vision loss or painful symptoms of eye disease. Florida Eye Specialists offers the latest in treatment options and advanced technology designed to preserve and improve your vision. This includes laser cataract surgery, a gel stent treatment for glaucoma, and treatment of the glands responsible for dry eye.
Aging is natural, but age-related vision loss doesn’t have to be part of your story. By taking proactive steps to protect your eyes and collaborating with experts in eye health, you can see clearly for the rest of your life. If you have questions or concerns about your eyesight, schedule an appointment with Florida Eye Specialists today.