Love your eyes

Stefanie Titus-Petersen

- Stefanie Titus-Petersen

We often think of the ageing process as a series of changes that affect our skin, hair, and nails. But age-related vision problems are just as common in people 45 and older. Cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and glaucoma are all common conditions that can affect your eyes, though they are certainly more common in people 50 and older.

"As individuals, our bodies age differently from each other," says prominent American ophthalmologist Dr Albert Jun. "However, an abundance of evidence indicates that keeping yourself in good health as you age decreases the occurrence or effects of age-associated eye problems."

This is why it is essential to have a comprehensive eye exam every year, especially when you reach your 40s. The outcome of this will help you to monitor your eyes for any concerning changes that occur.

EVERYDAY STEPS TO MAINTAIN VISION

Although you can’t control a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration, there are certain lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of developing eye conditions. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is vital for many aspects of our health, including eye health. According to the American Optometric Association, there are several healthy lifestyle habits that can help protect our vision. One of the most important is to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet. This includes foods that are rich in vitamins and antioxidants such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, and oily fish. Dr Susan Resnick, an ophthalmologist, explains that “studies have shown that nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin can help protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.”