Longevity is a big buzzword in today’s health industry. But, have you considered how it applies to your vision? While vision tends to naturally decline with age, you can work to maintain it with various lifestyle habits and support from your Tampa ophthalmologist.
Read on for our top strategies to keep your eyes healthy as you age.
Wear UV-Blocking Sunglasses
In Tampa Bay, we’re fortunate to experience abundant sunshine throughout the year—it’s no wonder Florida is called the Sunshine State. While those gorgeous rays are an instant mood booster, they can also damage your eyes over time.
Prolonged UV ray exposure has been linked to an increased risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and declining vision. By wearing sunglasses that protect against UVA and UVB radiation, you can shield your eyes and prevent accelerated age-related eye changes.
Eat a Nutritious Diet
A balanced, nutrient-dense diet can safeguard your vision by ensuring your eyes receive the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants they need to stay healthy. Along with vitamin C, beta-carotene, and omega-3s, lutein, and zeaxanthin are two of the most important nutrients for eye longevity. These antioxidants protect against oxidative stress and retinal damage, helping to prevent macular degeneration, cataracts, and other age-related eye conditions.
Dark leafy greens, egg yolks, pumpkin, and squash are all excellent sources of lutein and zeaxanthin. Dr. Mahootchi in Tampa Bay can also recommend supplements as needed to preserve your vision.
Quit Smoking
If you need another reason to quit, smoking has proven to worsen eye health over time by reducing blood circulation to your eyes. It contributes to various eye conditions that can lead to vision loss in Tampa, including cataracts and macular degeneration. While it’s certainly not easy to quit, starting a smoking cessation program is a major step toward better long-term eye health.
Attend Regular Tampa Eye Exams
Attending your annual eye exams in Tampa Bay can ensure warning signs of eye conditions are addressed early when vision loss can still be prevented.
Are you due for your annual? Schedule an appointment at The Eye Clinic of Florida today!