Caring for Your Eyes as You Age: Tips for Preventing Age-Related Eye Diseases

Stay Young Bureau

Apr 27, 2023

Quit Smoking

Smoking is not only injurious to your lungs, but it can also increase the risk of age-related eye diseases such as dry eyes, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Therefore, quit smoking today, right now!

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Use Sunglasses

Ensure that you wear UV-protective sunglasses, even when it is not sunny. UV rays can cause cataracts and accelerate age-related macular degeneration.

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Eat Well

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, lutein, healthy proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent the development of cataracts and macular degeneration.

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Sleep Well

Sleep deprivation can increase the production of the hormone cortisol, which breaks down your cells. Sufficient sleep can help maintain your eye health and keep your skin elastic and wrinkle-free.

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Do Not Rub Your Eyes

The skin around your eyes is delicate and thin. Constantly rubbing your eyes can accelerate wrinkle formation and strain your eyes, leading to damage.

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Limit Screen Time

Using smartphones and other electronic devices has become a part of daily life, but looking at them for extended periods, especially in the dark, can cause blurry vision, eye strain, and dry eyes. So, make sure to take breaks and limit your screen time.

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Manage Chronic Conditions

If you suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, there is an increased chance of developing age-related eye diseases. Therefore, it's important to manage them properly.

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Use Proper Lighting

Working on laptops or reading books in poor lighting can irritate your eyes. In contrast, proper lighting can reduce your eye strain and help prevent eye fatigue.

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Practice Good Hygiene

Frequent handwashing and avoiding touching your eyes can help prevent the spread of infections that can cause eye problems or age-related eye diseases.

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Wear Eye Protection

It is essential to wear protective eyewear when engaging in activities that can cause eye injuries, such as sports or home repairs.

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Manage Stress

Stress can cause eye strain and fatigue, so finding ways to manage stress, such as deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and physical exercise, can help you prevent eye problems.

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Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma. It can also increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration due to increased oxidative stress and inflammation in your eyes.

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Know Your Family History

Some eye diseases are hereditary, so knowing your family history can help you take steps to prevent or manage them.

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Get Regular Eye Check-ups

Even if you don't experience any symptoms, it is important to have your eyes checked annually to maintain eye health and detect and treat any eye disease at an early stage.

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Rest Your Eyes

Taking breaks and resting your eyes is essential, especially if you spend extended periods working on a computer or performing close-up tasks. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.

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