Eye care is important at every stage in life, but your vision can deteriorate as you age. The change can impact your life, making it harder to complete certain tasks. For this reason, you should take additional measures to preserve your ocular health. Here are a few ways to protect your eyes if you're a senior.

An Eye Care Guide for Mature Adults

1. Manage Existing Conditions

Several age-related medical conditions can affect eye health. For example, diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that can damage the blood vessels in the eyes. If left unaddressed, this issue could lead to vision loss. Likewise, uncontrolled high blood pressure can also cause vision impairment. Fortunately, effectively managing these and other health conditions through lifestyle changes and any necessary medications will also support healthy eyes. 

2. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Certain nutrients can reduce the risk of eye conditions that affect seniors. Some problems they help prevent include cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss. 

In particular, antioxidants like vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and vitamin E can promote eye health. You can find most of these nutrients in leafy greens, nuts, and fruits like tangerines and strawberries. 

3. Protect Against the Sun

Exposure to ultraviolet (UC) rays can cause vision changes that increase the risk of retina degeneration and cataract formation. Protect your eyes and prevent vision loss with sunglasses that block 99% to 100% UVA and UVB radiation. You should wear them whenever you spend time outdoors, no matter the season. Even if the sun's rays don't appear as bright, they can still be harmful during the winter, as they can reflect off snow.

For comprehensive eye care at every age, turn to Blue Earth Valley Eye Clinic. With offices in Blue Earth and Winnebago, MN, these specialists offer routine exams and treatment options to address various eye conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Explore their full list of services online, and call (507) 526-2222 to schedule an appointment.