Who is at Risk for Glaucoma?
Did you know glaucoma is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness across the globe? Learn more about this degenerative eye disease, who’s at risk of developing it, and what you can do to protect your ocular health.
If you have excellent vision or wear corrective lenses to improve your sight, you might not think twice about your eyes. But if you’re serious about maintaining eye health well into your golden years, establishing a few healthy habits can go a long way.
At Eldorado Vision & Optical in McKinney, Texas, Stacy Turner, OD, and our team know your risk of developing eye-related health issues — like cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration — increases as you get older.
To help you experience the best eye health and vision possible, we share five healthy habits that support optimal ocular wellness.
You already know that eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet is good for your heart, blood pressure, and overall health. But did you know that eating healthy, whole foods also helps lower your risk of developing eye or vision problems?
For the best eye health, reach for more fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods, which contain the important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants necessary to strengthen eyesight and support eye health. Some of the best foods for your eyes include:
You’ll also want to choose healthy fats that contain omega-3 fatty acids and other eye-healthy nutrients, like salmon, avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
You experience things every day that can affect your ocular health. By taking a few simple steps, you can reduce your risk of eye damage or vision loss:
If you wear contacts, ensure you protect your eyes by practicing excellent contact care, always washing your hands, and disinfecting or replacing your lenses regularly.
Being physically active helps you maintain better overall health and lowers your risk of developing issues that affect your eye health, like hypertension, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.
Studies show, for example, that adults who exercise regularly are less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that can lead to permanent vision loss. Not only will regular exercise help maintain your eyes, but it also reduces stress, improves circulation, and regulates blood sugar.
You already know you should wash your hands to prevent the spread of bacterial and viral infections, like the common cold, influenza, and COVID-19. But did you know that many eye-related diseases also spread by touching your eye or eye area?
Good hand hygiene can prevent common eye infections, including:
Keep your eyes as healthy as possible by washing your hands and not touching your face or eyes if you haven’t recently washed your hands. This is especially important when you wear contact lenses.
At Eldorado Vision & Optical, Dr. Turner recommends coming in every year for a comprehensive eye exam to check on your vision and detect eye issues early.
Dr. Turner begins by reviewing your medical history, making any updates from your last visit, and asking you about any vision or eye symptoms you’re experiencing. She then conducts several tests to check your eye health and vision, including:
Learn more about healthy habits that support your eye health by scheduling an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Turner at Eldorado Vision & Optical today.
