Healthy Aging for the Eyes

Healthy Aging for the Eyes

Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you need to surrender your vision health without a fight. Practicing proper eye care, especially early on, can make a big difference in making sure your eyes stay as strong and healthy as possible. Here are five easy ways you can take care of your ageing eyes. A Balanced Diet Eating healthy is more than just about losing weight, it’s about making sure your body is consistently getting the nutrients it needs to function properly and fight diseases. It’s never too late to start working towards implementing a balanced diet into your lifestyle. Eating sugar, unhealthy fats and processed foods can increase your risk of developing eye disease, on top of many other health issues. Eating lots of green leafy vegetables, foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can reduce your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration, common vision problems with ageing eyes. UV and Blue Light Exposure The exposure of both ultraviolet light and blue light have been connected to the increased occurrence of age-related eye diseases. To avoid harmful exposure, make sure to wear 100% UV blocking sunglasses whenever outdoors, whether it’s cloudy or sunny. If you’re staring at a screen for most of the day, then it may be worth it to invest in a pair of blue light blocking glasses. There are also filters and lighting settings available for many devices to reduce or get rid of blue light exposure altogether. Smoking Everyone knows smoking is bad for your health, as many studies have shown. Eye disease is just another way in which smoking can negatively...
How Often Should You Have An Eye Test

How Often Should You Have An Eye Test

Many people tend to procrastinate their eye testing until they start experiencing some obvious signs of eye strain which have persisted for more than a couple of days. Signs such as redness, itching, blurring, etc., can mean much more than just pressure. It is especially important to book an eye test if you notice any changes in your vision. Experts recommend scheduling your eye test every two years, even if you may not have noticed anything different in your eyesight. In addition to detecting issues related to vision impairment, eye tests can lead to the detection of health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Even if you think you have perfect vision, you should go for a scheduled eye checkup. Here are some more reasons why eye tests are extremely important: Underlying conditions Not every eye-related issue will mean that your vision will be immediately affected. Sometimes, an impending problem may not be detected as it may not directly harm your vision. An underlying problem may not show obvious signs for a long time. A frequent eye examination can help to detect such problems early and give you a lot of time to receive treatment. Health issues Did you know that eye tests can potentially detect problems with the retina, blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol? According to a report, only 45% of adults realize that eye test means testing more than just vision. Early correction It is not surprising that we all wait until our eyesight gets blurred to run to an ophthalmologist and get our eyes checked. But sometimes minor vision problems cannot be detected easily...
What Eye Experts Won’t Tell You About Glasses

What Eye Experts Won’t Tell You About Glasses

Your eyesight is one of the most impactful of the five senses we have. As you only have one pair of eyes, it’s important you take care of them. To encourage you to properly take care of your eyes, here are a few things you need to know about eyeglasses. You’ll need glasses eventually Even if you have 20/20 vision, and have had perfect eyesight for your entire life, it’s still likely that you’ll find yourself squinting at your phone or a menu at some point. Mid-life vision loss, known as presbyopia, is defined as losing your ability to focus on objects up close. This is when you should consider buying reading glasses. However, if your vision alters in a way that prevents you from focusing on distant objects, then it’s a sign you need to see your eye doctor. Scratches are a big deal A small scratch at the far edge of your lens isn’t much of a deal-breaker, but one that takes up a significant amount of space can be a problem. Straining your eyes to get a clear view through or around the scratch can cause eye fatigue. Scratches can’t simply be buffed out, especially if they’re deep, so new lenses may be the only solution to keep your eyes healthy and fully functional. Lenses aren’t made of glass When they were first introduced, eyeglasses were made from glass because it was clear enough to avoid obstructing the wearer’s view. Today, however, lenses are made from plastic, as glass can’t stand up to everyday use. If they were to break while on someone’s face, glass lenses...
How To Prevent Dry Eyes Throughout Winter

How To Prevent Dry Eyes Throughout Winter

With colder temperatures comes colder air, leading to dry eyes and nasal airways. This time of year does not have to be spent enduring burning and/or watery eyes though. There are a few products and tricks you can use to keep your eyes feeling refreshed and comfortable. What causes dry eyes? Your eyes are lubricated by a tear film that consists of three layers. The three layers are lipid (oil), mucus, and aqueous (water). Eyes become dry when these layers are out of balance. Dry eyes can be a constant problem, but it can also happen temporarily. When your eyes do not produce tears properly or when those tears evaporate too quickly, you end up with dry eyes. This condition not only causes you discomfort, but it can also make it difficult to do everyday tasks like using a computer or reading a book. Seniors are more likely to develop dry eyes, but it can occur at any age. Winter is the season when people experience this condition the worst. It is the time of year when the air has less humidity (moisture), and furnaces are used to heat the air, making it even drier. Those factors combined with windy conditions and sun glare can intensify dry eye symptoms throughout the winter. What are the symptoms? Dry eyes may cause your eyes to sting, burn, or feel scratchy. It can also cause these uncomfortable symptoms: ● Redness ● Light sensitivity ● Fatigue ● Excess mucus around the eyes ● Increased irritation of smoke or wind ● Feeling like something is in your eye ● Watery eyes ● Trouble wearing...
8 Signs It’s Time to Get Your Eyes Tested

8 Signs It’s Time to Get Your Eyes Tested

Eyesight is something most people take for granted until it’s too late. Make it your mission to keep your eyes as healthy as possible by regularly visiting your eye doctor. Not sure when you should go? Other than once a year, book an eye exam if you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms. Changes in Night Vision It’s common for the first sign of your eye health dwindling as an adult is when you start having difficulty seeing at night, especially while driving. This can be extremely dangerous if left untreated, for both you and other drivers. Seeing halos around light sources, having trouble recognizing objects at night or are unable to read signs are warnings that you need to talk to your optometrist, now. Health Conditions Certain health conditions can affect the way your eyes feel and function. Diseases like diabetes, lupus and other conditions can affect your eye’s functionality. Even your nutritional habits and sleep patterns can affect your eye health. Mention any conditions to your doctor during an exam. An Eye Infection Sitting through an eye exam gives the optometrist an opportunity to identify changes in your vision while checking your overall eye health. Some eye infections can clear up on their own. However, many can be contagious and lead to permanent eye damage if left untreated. Schedule an appointment right away if you experience itchy or red eyes, discharge or any other uncomfortable sensations. Constant Headaches Several things can cause headaches and migraines, but these conditions can also be a warning sign that something is wrong with your vision. An increase in headache frequency...