5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Eyes Healthy at Any Age

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As we age, our eyes naturally change and risk for eye disease increases. There are five important (yet simple) things you can do right now that will help your eyes stay healthy at any age.

1. Regular eye exams.

Regular eye exams are important for all ages to check on the overall health of your eyes and make sure you are seeing your best. After age 40, it is recommended that you have a dilated, comprehensive eye exam every 2-4 years, or as recommended by your eye doctor. Not only will your vision be monitored for changes, but the health of your eyes will be evaluated and monitored.

If you are a suspect for any issues such as glaucoma, cataracts or macular degeneration, staying regular with your comprehensive eye examinations will help keep any suspected issues under control and help keep your eyes seeing their best.

2. Eat a healthy diet.

Eating healthy is important for your body, mind and eyes! A diet rich in vitamins, nutrients and minerals is vital for maintaining eye health and can help prolong the development of cataracts, help prevent macular degeneration and improve your overall eye health. Some foods that are beneficial for your eyes include:

  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Almonds
  • Dairy
  • Carrots
  • Kale
  • Oranges

These foods contain lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins A, B and C, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids or zinc, all of which are helpful to your eyes. Eat a well-balanced diet high in these foods for awesome eye benefits.

3. Don’t smoke. 

Smoking can increase your chances of macular degeneration, cataracts, dry eye and more! If you would like to read in-depth about the dangers of smoking to your eyes, visit our blog post on smoking.

4. Wear eye protection.

Wearing eye protection when you are young and as you age will help keep your eyes healthy. When out in the sun, wearing 100% UVA and UVB protective sunglasses is ideal to prevent macular degeneration, cataracts and even cancer. Eye protection is also important during work or many hobbies to keep your eyes safe and healthy.

5. Know your family history. 

Knowing your family history is important because many eye diseases can be influenced by family history or are hereditary. If you know your family has a history of specific eye diseases it is important to share that information with your doctor and they can monitor you appropriately.

Dr. Ralph Chu LASIK surgeon Minneapolis Ophthalmologists

Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Ralph Chu is a fellowship-trained corneal specialist and a nationally recognized leader in refractive and cataract procedures. His specialty areas include cataract, LASIK, cornea, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries for patients in the Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Twin Cities areas.

Posted on October 12, 2022

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