As Americans age, the risk for eye diseases such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration increases, but experts say simple lifestyle changes and regular checkups can help preserve vision. In honor of Healthy Vision Month, the National Eye Institute (NEI) has released eight tips to help people protect their eyesight, stressing that eye health is closely linked to overall health.
“Many eye diseases don’t have any early symptoms, so you could have a problem and not know it,” the NEI warns. The single most effective step is getting a dilated eye exam, which can detect diseases early when they are more treatable. The NEI advises finding a trusted eye doctor and asking how often an exam is needed based on individual risk factors.
Physical activity is another key recommendation: regular movement can lower the risk of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which can harm vision. The NEI suggests incorporating activity into daily routines, such as walking while on the phone or stretching during TV time.
Family history also plays a role. The NEI encourages people to discuss eye health with relatives, as conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration can be hereditary. Sharing this information with an eye doctor can help determine if additional preventive steps are needed.
Dietary changes can further support eye health. Eating dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and tuna, can help prevent health issues that lead to eye problems. The NEI also emphasizes wearing sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation, even on cloudy days, to reduce the risk of cataracts.
Managing chronic conditions is crucial: diabetes and high blood pressure increase the risk of eye diseases like glaucoma. The NEI advises patients with these conditions to work with their doctors to manage them and lower the risk of vision loss. Additionally, quitting smoking can reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
To test their eye health knowledge, the NEI offers a quick quiz and additional resources on its website. The tips come as part of Healthy Vision Month, a campaign to raise awareness about preventable vision loss. For more information, visit nei.nih.gov/hvm.
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