7 habits to help reduce the risk of age-related vision loss

Regular eye exams, not smoking, eating a healthy diet and controlling chronic diseases can protect your vision as you age.

Aging increases the risk of eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a cause of central vision loss. Maintaining some healthy habits can help protect your eyesight over the long term.

Regular eye exams

According to Health, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can cause damage to the macula before the patient notices a change in vision. Regular eye exams help doctors check the retina and detect early signs, thereby monitoring and promptly treating if the disease progresses.

The risk of macular degeneration increases with age, especially in people 55 years of age and older. People with a family history of the disease should also pay more attention to regular eye exams.

Maintain regular exercise

Walking, swimming or moderate-intensity physical activities help maintain overall health and control factors that can affect the eyes such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. The US National Eye Institute recommends maintaining regular physical activity to reduce the risk of diseases that can affect vision.

No smoking

Smoking is one of the modifiable risk factors for macular degeneration. Substances in cigarette smoke can cause oxidative stress and affect eye tissues. Quitting smoking is not only good for the heart and lungs but also helps protect the eyes. Non-smokers should continue to maintain this habit.

Eat lots of green vegetables and fish

A diet rich in green leafy vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole grains and fish is beneficial for eye health. Green leafy vegetables provide plenty of carotenoids, while fatty fish like salmon contain omega-3s. These foods are also common ingredients in the Mediterranean diet, which is believed to be associated with a lower risk of macular degeneration.

Control blood pressure and cholesterol

High blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol are linked to an increased risk of eye problems, including macular degeneration. Therefore, in addition to eye examinations, middle-aged and elderly people should periodically check blood pressure and cholesterol, eat properly, exercise and use medication as prescribed if they are being treated.

Protect your eyes when outdoors

When regularly exposed to sunlight, you can use sunglasses with UV protection and wear a wide-brimmed hat to reduce the amount of ultraviolet rays shining directly into your eyes. Prioritize glasses with UV-B protection to better protect your eyes.

Maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle

Overweight, obesity and lack of exercise can be associated with many risk factors that affect eye health such as inflammation, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, and diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help control these factors, thereby contributing to protecting vision as you age.

People who are elderly, have a family history of macular degeneration or are suffering from diseases such as hypertension or diabetes should talk to their doctor about an appropriate examination schedule. According to Verywell Health, if you see straight lines become curved, images are distorted, vision is blurred or dark spots appear in the center of vision, you should have an eye examination early. These may be signs of progressive AMD and should be evaluated to determine the cause.

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