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Changes in your eyesight are common with age. People over 60 are more susceptible to developing problems such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma that can lead to vision loss. Fortunately, you can protect your eyes with healthy habits to prevent age-related vision issues. Here’s how optometrists recommend maintaining your eyesight as you get older.

4 Ways to Preserve Your Vision

1. Get Routine Eye Exams

Early signs of diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma show up around age 40. Schedule eye exams every one to three years once you reach this age, even if you have no symptoms or risk factors. Your optometrist will conduct comprehensive screenings and recommend corrective lenses, prescription eye drops, or laser surgery as necessary. 

2. Prevent Eyestrain

Eyestrain, or eye fatigue, occurs due to straining your eyes for prolonged periods while using computers, smartphones, or tablets. Symptoms may include eye burning, blurry vision, and headaches.

Avoid these issues by looking up from your device every 20 minutes, focusing on an object 20 feet away, and staying focused on it for 20 seconds. Known as the “20-20-20 rule,” this technique will take the stress off the eyes and give them a break from bright screen lights. 

3. Wear Sunglasses

optometristCataracts develop when tissues within the eye lenses deteriorate, causing them to become cloudy and resulting in blurry vision. Exposure to sunlight can make tissues more likely to break down, so wear sunglasses to block harmful UV rays. Doing so will also prevent retinal damage and malignant eye growths.

4. Use Contacts Correctly

Wearing 24-hour lenses for longer than a day or sleeping in contacts not intended for overnight use can cause eye pain, infections, and corneal ulcers. Prevent vision loss by throwing away disposable contacts at the end of each day. Always remove contacts after washing your hands with soap and warm water, and soak the lenses in a sterile, isotonic solution overnight to kill bacteria and viruses. 

 

Keep your vision clear and precise as you age with help from Dr. Brett K. Radow. Since 1987, this optometrist has provided eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses to clients throughout Spencer, WV. He’ll give you additional tips on maintaining your eyesight and avoiding age-related vision loss. Call (304) 927-5112 to book an appointment for treating glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration. Visit the website to learn more about how this optometrist can improve and protect your eyesight. 

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