World seems perfect to those who have perfect eyesight. So, it is one of the vital things to take care of. There are some types of eyesight problems affecting one adult out of six at the age of 45 and more. Risk of losing vision gets increased with the age.
As per a report of American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), around 43 millions of Americans would get the age related eye diseases by the year 2020. In America the prime cause of eye sight problems is age related. The age related issues are macular degeneration, cataract diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. So it is really essential to protect your eyesight.
Guidelines to Protect Your Eyes
Here, some tips have been compiled to save your eyes from losing the eye sight considering the age factor. So just note it down and save your world to get hazy.
Get to Know the Risk of Eye Diseases-
You are advised to know the health history of your family. If any of your family is diabetic or have a medical history of being a patient of high blood pressure, there are chances of eyes diseases. If you are above age of 65 years or you are an African-American above 40, then it increases the risk of yours getting eye diseases. You should regularly go for eye sight tests. As the early finding of any disease can protect your eye sight, so you are suggested to visit ophthalmologist regularly.
Go for Physical Examination of Diabetes and High Blood Pressure Checks-
Diabetes and high blood pressure diseases cause the vision loss. If these diseases are not treated timely then it may lead to diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and eye strikes.
Any Signs of Changing Vision
If you get any sign of changing vision, visit your eye doctor immediately. Few of the signs about changing vision are hazy vision, double vision and stress on eyes in dim lighting. However, there are other signs and symptoms that really affect your eye sight and need your immediate attention such as red eyes, pain in eyes, swelling, floaters and frequent flashes of light.
Exercise, Exercise and Exercise
As per the studies of AAO, regular exercise like walking can reduce the risk of age related eye diseases such as macular degeneration by high percentage up to 70 percent.
Stay Away from Harmful Ultra Violet (UV) Rays
Whenever you go outside, you are suggested to protect your eyes from the direct exposure of Ultra Violet radiations. You should wear sunglasses so that your eyes are protected from harmful ultra violet radiations of sun. It also helps in reducing the risks of cataract, pinguecula and other such problems.
Have Healthy and Balanced Diet
There are several stories that prove that antioxidants diminish the risk of cataracts. Eating plenty of fruits, colorful and dark green vegetables contain the maximum antioxidants. So in order to get the maximum antioxidants, start eating fruits and vegetables.
Fishes have high amount of omega- 3 fatty acids and diminish the risk of age related eye disease such as macular degeneration. You should also consider the eye vitamins in your diet so that you may get plenty of nutrients to keep your vision normal and eyes healthy.
Regular Eye Testing
Regular and comprehensive eye testing helps in early diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy that is caused by dilating of pupils. Otherwise this eye disease does not have any other symptom. Regular eye testing keeps you up dated for the prescription of eye glasses and contact lenses if needed. Ophthalmologist advice you to go for comprehensive eye check once in two years.
Smoking is prohibited
Smoking causes many health issues and one of the dangers associated to smoking is risking the eye health. Macular degeneration, cataract, uveitis and other eye diseases are caused by smoking. So, for the sake of sound vision and healthy eyes, do not smoke.
Following guidelines will definitely help you to protect your eyes. Additionally, you should wear safety glasses while working with any equipments or tools or while indulging yourself in any kind of sports to save your eyes from injuries causing permanent eye loss.
In deed following the above steps would reduce the chances of eye diseases but it does not guarantee of perfect eye sight throughout lifetime. Undoubtedly, regular exercise, balanced and healthy diet and frequent eye checks will lower the eye sight problems.