As we get on in years, we may slowly experience a wide range of different vision problems that are naturally associated with aging. Macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma are all common among older adults. Vision problems severely affect our lifestyle, but thankfully, there are effective ways to combat or slow down these problems. With Healthy Aging Month now in full swing, the eye care specialists over at Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry take a look at three ways you can take better care of your aging eyes.
1. Eat a Healthier Diet
One of the most effective ways in combating age-related vision problems is to start eating a healthier diet. You should try your best to eat as many orange-colored vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots and cantaloupes, as possible.
2. Reduce Your Screen Time
Your optometrist might also recommend reducing your screen time. Constantly staring into your phone, computer or television with no breaks can cause a lot of strain on your eyes. One good trick to minimize this is to practice the 20-20-20 rule: take a 20-second break every 20 minutes, and look at an object that is at least 20 feet away from you.
3. Always Wear Protection
Too much exposure to the sun’s harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays is bad not only for your skin, but for your eyes as well. No matter what age you are, it is always a good idea to wear sunglasses that have 100% UV protection whenever we are out in the sun.
Whether you are thinking about coming in for a routine eye exam or would like to schedule LASIK eye surgery, the folks over at Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry will take care of you every step of the way. To set up an appointment, please give us a call at (703) 660-9494. Alternatively, you can fill out our contact form to speak to one of our experts today. We serve patients in Alexandria, VA, and its surrounding communities.