September Is Healthy Aging Month

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Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on September 12, 2019

Do you remember the last time you got a comprehensive eye exam? Are you starting to experience blurry vision?

September is Healthy Aging Month. Let’s take a look at some signs and symptoms of vision loss and how older adults can prevent it.

Signs and Symptoms of Vision Loss

There are many different signs and symptoms of vision loss. Some of them are:

Floaters or Flashes of Light:

Sudden light flashes or an increase in floaters can be signs of retinal detachment. This can occur because of eye injuries or diseases like glaucoma and nearsightedness.

Eye Pain:

The majority of eye conditions do not cause pain, but some injuries or diseases do. Pain can be caused by dry eye, injury, eye cancer, glaucoma or a scratched cornea.

Sudden Loss of Vision in One Eye:

This could be a symptom of many eye diseases.  The leading cause of vision loss in adults 65+ in the US is age-related macular degeneration.

This is usually a slow process, but sometimes it can be sudden. Another condition that can cause vision loss is glaucoma.

With glaucoma, it can lead to the quick build-up of fluid pressure in the eye. Many other conditions can cause vision loss.

Blurry Vision:

Having consistent or inconsistent blurry vision can be a sign of a variety of eye diseases. This can be a sign of glaucoma, prescription changes, cataracts or age-related macular degeneration.

Eye Discomfort:

One of the most common things that could cause eye discomfort is getting something in your eye. This could be a foreign body or a particle of something, like dust.

Get your eyes examined if you are experiencing discomfort to make sure you do not have anything in your eye. Also, if you wear contact lenses they can lead to discomfort too. Follow the rules of using contacts and see a doctor if you are uncomfortable.

To treat or prevent any of these conditions, it is important to have comprehensive eye exams.

Ways to Maintain Healthy Vision

Besides getting regular comprehensive eye exams, there are other tips you can follow. These are an easy way to ensure you have healthy vision as you age. They include:

Eating a Healthy Diet:

Making sure that you eat a lot of fruits and vegetables can help your eyes stay healthy and free of diseases. Dark leafy greens (kale, romaine lettuce, spinach) are best for your health and eyes.

Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids are good too; this includes fish like tuna, halibut, salmon, etc.

Stay at a Healthy Weight:

Being obese puts you at a higher risk for diabetes. This can cause complications like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy. Both of these can lead to vision loss.

Wear Sunglasses or a Hat Outdoors:

It is important to protect your eyes from UV rays when you’re outside. This is key when it comes to good eye health!

Pick sunglasses that block 99% – 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays.

Do Not Smoke:

Smoking is bad for your entire body, and your eyes are no exception. Smoking increases your chances of developing cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and more.   

Are you ready to get a comprehensive eye exam? Getting regular eye exams is one of the best ways to ensure your eyes are healthy.

Schedule an appointment at Missouri Eye Institute in Springfield, MO today!