Take good care of your precious vision with these seven simple lifestyle steps. Looking after your vision becomes even more vital after 50, when you’re more likely to experience issues with your eyes. “Your eyes are one of the most important organs in your body, so protection is paramount,” says Nathan Fisher from Maui Jim Sunglasses.
Get regular check-ups to ensure you’re visions health
Ever read letters off a wall chart to find out if your script needed updating? Luckily, the all-important annual eye test has come a long way since then.
Now you’ll likely have your vision tested as well as being screened for cataracts, AMD and diabetic eye disease. “Come in and get regular eye examinations so that you can get the right glasses for you and check the general health of your eyes,” Francesca says. “If something like glaucoma is nipped in the bud, you will never have a problem with your sight and be able to control it by regularly putting drops in your eyes.”
If you have any worries about your vision, tell your optometrist. They’ll want to know about your symptoms, as well as any family history of eye disease.
“Always tell your optometrist if you have a family history of eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts of AMD,” Francesca says. “All of them have a hereditary element and it means we can offer the right kind of advice.”
If you want to take care of your vision, wear sunglasses
This one is non-negotiable, all-year-round, when you’re outdoors. “Most of us are very aware of the effects of sun on our skin but not on our eyes, Francesca says. Among the risks associated with not wearing sunglasses are photokeratitis (sunburn on the surface of the eye). pterygium (fleshy growth on the surface of the eye) and cataracts. “Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide,” Nathan says.
People often fail to acknowledge that they need to protect their eyes from the effects of glare, which bounces off water, glass, and the ground, as well as UV rays. “The best way to do this is by wearing sunglasses that have special polarised lenses which protect against 100 percent of UVA, UVB, and UVC light,” Nathan explains.
Wearing polarised sunglasses also gives added protection to delicate skin around your eyes. “This reduces your chance of skin cancer in this area, too,” he adds.
