5 Ways to Ensure Optimal Eye Health After 50

Getting older comes with all types of physical changes, including your eyes. The National Institute on Aging says it’s common for people older than 50 to have problems seeing up close,  adjusting to changing light levels, and even having trouble differentiating similar colors. 

A comprehensive eye exam can check for potential problems even if your eyesight seems the same. Focused Refined Eye Care is located in the Montrose and The Heights neighborhoods of Houston, Texas, and specializes in medical and general optometry. Our expert team can assist your eye needs from general eye exams to more complicated eye problems.

5 ways to care for your aging eyes 

Aging is a natural part of life. The key to aging gracefully is preventive maintenance and a healthy lifestyle. Here are five healthy habits to practice. 

1. Regular eye exams

Regular eye exams detect potential problems early. Doctors recommend annual exams for healthy adults to catch eye diseases early. Catching eye diseases like glaucoma and cataracts in the early stages gives you a better chance of controlling them and saving your vision. 

2. Protect your eyes from UV light

UV (ultraviolet) light can contribute to future eye problems like macular degeneration and cataracts. Aging eyes lose their natural ability to filter UV light, which makes them vulnerable to sun damage. 

Wearing quality sunglasses that block 100% UV light with a wide-brimmed hat helps reduce your exposure to these damaging rays. 

3. Eat healthy and exercise 

A healthy lifestyle has many benefits, including improving your eye health. Eating plenty of fruits, veggies, and foods with omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, makes a difference. 

Regular exercise improves circulation and overall health, reducing the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure, which can impact eyesight. 

4. Reduce eye strain 

We spend hours a day on screens, which is bound to lead to eyestrain. To reduce the strain, you can adjust your screen contrast and brightness and use eye drops if your eyes are dry. Try to take a break every twenty minutes to redirect your focus across the room, as it helps your eyes relax. 

5. Manage chronic health issues

If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, you’re at greater risk for eye problems. Adopting health habits, following your doctor’s guidelines, and regularly monitoring your symptoms can go a long way toward managing such conditions. 

Expert advice 

Prioritizing a healthy lifestyle makes a difference no matter your age. Exercising, eating well, and monitoring your health with regular checkups go a long way toward maintaining a healthy vision.

If you’re in the Montrose or The Heights areas of Houston, Texas, schedule your eye exam at Focused Refined Eye Care. You can make an appointment online here.