Healthy Aging Eye Month: 5 Tips to Prevent Glaucoma and AMD

Home » Blog » Healthy Aging Eye Month: 5 Tips to Prevent Glaucoma and AMD

Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on September 20, 2023

Healthy Aging Eye Month is an observance during the month of September to raise awareness about eye health and aging. As people get older, they are more likely to develop eye diseases such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which can cause vision loss. However, there are ways to protect your vision and prevent eye problems as you age. 

By following the tips here, you can enjoy a lifetime of seeing your best and support healthy aging.

First, what is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which sends visual information from your eye to your brain. Symptoms include blurred vision, severe eye pain, halos and rings around lights, eye redness and nausea or vomiting. Left untreated, glaucoma can cause vision loss and blindness. 

One of the main causes of glaucoma is high pressure in the eye, which happens when fluid builds up in the front part of the eye. To diagnose glaucoma, an eye doctor will measure your eye pressure and examine your optic nerve. Treatment options include medication, surgery and therapy to lower the eye pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.

What is AMD?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease that affects the central vision. It occurs when the macula, the part of the retina that is responsible for sharp and detailed vision, gets damaged by aging or other factors.

There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. Dry AMD is more common and progresses slowly, while wet AMD is less common but more severe and can cause rapid vision loss. Some symptoms of AMD include blurry or wavy vision, difficulty recognizing faces, and a dark spot in the center of your vision. There is no cure for AMD, but some treatments can help slow down its progression or prevent vision loss.

5 tips for preventing glaucoma and AMD

Glaucoma and AMD are two leading causes of vision loss in adults. To prevent or delay these eye conditions, follow these tips:

1. Wear sunglasses. Too much exposure to UV rays can damage your eyes and increase your risk of cataracts and other eye diseases. Choose sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation.
   
2. Eat well. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids can help keep your eyes healthy and lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration. Foods that are good for your eyes include leafy greens, berries, fish, nuts and eggs.
   
3. Quit smoking. Smoking can harm your eyes in many ways. It can increase your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, optic nerve damage and dry eye syndrome. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit.
   
4. Manage chronic conditions. Some health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and thyroid disease, can affect your eyesight. Follow your doctor’s advice to keep these conditions under control and monitor your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
   
5. Get routine eye exams. Your eye doctor can check for signs of common eye diseases, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and more. Early detection and treatment can help slow down or stop vision loss.

As you get wiser in years, your eyes may face some challenges and risks. But you can take proactive steps to protect your vision and prevent eye problems from getting worse. 

Missouri Eye Institute has helped thousands of patients optimize their eye health and attain freedom from glasses and contact lenses. Contact us at (800) 383-3831 to schedule a thorough eye exam or visit MissouriEye.com to learn more about our services.