Candles on your cake aren’t the only thing that increase as you age. Risk for developing age-related eye disorders also grows, but you can do something about it.
Age-Related Disorders Other than becoming nearsighted or farsighted, there are numerous eye diseases that accompany the aging process. Some of the most serious include:
Cataracts A clouding of the eye’s lens.
Affects 22 million Americans 40+
Diabetic Retinopathy Occurs when high blood sugar levels damage fragile blood vessels in the eye’s retina.
Affects 4.4 million Americans 40+
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) A deterioration of the eye’s macula, the part of the retina responsible for crisp central vision and detail perception.
Affects 2 million Americans 50+
Glaucoma Occurs when high fluid pressure levels in the eye begin to damage the eye’s optic nerve.
Affects 2.3 million Americans 40+
Reduce Your RiskKeeping your eyesight in good condition isn’t as difficult as you might think. Here are a few things you can do to keep your eyes in shape.
- Have a baseline eye exam at age 40 if you have no known risk factors. Continue every 2 to 4 years after that.
- Get screened earlier if you have a family history of eye disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
- Wear sunglasses when working or spending time outside.
- Manage chronic health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake to ≤ 1 to 2 drinks per day, depending on gender and size.
- Lose weight if you have a body mass index > 30.
- Eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Have a complete eye exam every year beginning at age 65.
