5 Steps to Lower Your Risk of Eye Disease
By age 65, one in three Americans will have a
vision-impairing eye disease. Many sight-robbing conditions can be effectively
treated if detected early enough, in many cases limiting or eliminating the
damage to eyesight. Four eye diseases-age-related macular
degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts-account
for most cases of adult blindness and low vision among people in the U.S.
Because these eye diseases cause no pain and often have no early symptoms, they
do not automatically prompt people to seek medical care. But a thorough eye
exam can detect them in their earliest stages allowing early treatment which is
vital because it can slow or halt disease progression or, in the case of
cataracts, restore normal vision. A thorough eye exam can also detect other
health conditions, such as stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood
pressure, autoimmune diseases, sexually transmitted diseases and some cancers.
Here are some steps to helping preserve your eye health and vision:
Get a Comprehensive Medical Eye Exam at Age
40-Early signs of disease or changes in vision
may begin at this age. If you have not already had one, a comprehensive medical
eye exam is an opportunity to carefully examine the eye for diseases and
conditions that may have no symptoms in the early stages.
Know Your Family History-Certain eye diseases can be inherited. If you have a close relative with macular degeneration,
you have a 50 percent chance of developing this condition. A family history of
glaucoma increases your glaucoma risk by four to nine times. Talk to family
members about their eye conditions. It can help you and your eye doctor
evaluate your risk.
Eat Healthy Foods-A diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and
whole grains, benefits the entire body, including the eyes. Eye-healthy food
choices include citrus fruits, vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, dark green
leafy vegetables and cold water fish.
Stop Smoking-Smoking increases the risk for eye diseases such
as cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Smoking
also raises the risk for cardiovascular diseases which can indirectly influence
your eye health. Tobacco smoke, including second-hand smoke, also worsens dry eye.
Wear Sunglasses-Exposure to ultraviolet UV light raises the risk of eye
diseases, including cataract, fleshy growths on the eye
and cancer. Always wear a hat and sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection
while outdoors.
Doctor & Associates offices are located
at 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195 Danbury Road,
Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and 148 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.
