Most adults experience some changes in vision as they get older, and some may have risk factors for more serious eye disease. Protecting your vision throughout your life is an important task, as visual impairment affects every aspect of life. Risk factors for eye disease are varied and some are familial, but many are lifestyle-related.

Eye injuries can occur in a variety of sports and household activities, so wearing eye protection in those circumstances can help prevent serious injuries. All sports involving a projectile can cause eye injuries-think tennis, pickleball, baseball, and even basketball. Goggles protect your eyes from impact from the ball or from an opponent’s racquet or fingers. Working with power tools or doing woodworking can create dust and debris that can injure the eye, as can working with chemicals that could splash back.  Biking & skiing leave us open to injury from airborne particles and low-hanging branches. Eye damage can also occur from Shingles infection, so being vaccinated protects your vision.

Contact lens wearers need to be meticulous in caring for their contacts and follow all instructions for their use. Folks who wear contact lenses should see an eye doctor annually. For others, the frequency of exams depends on your age, family history, personal vision history, and other risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or smoking.  Most adults should get their vision checked every 1-2 years. Any changes in vision, eye pain, eye discharge, or eye injury should be reported right away to your provider.

Sun protection is just as crucial for your eyes as it is for your skin.  Protecting your eyes is very important as UV damage can contribute to cataracts, macular degeneration, and even the development of cancer in the eye.

• Wear sunglasses: Choose sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Ensure that they are impact-resistant and fit close to your eyes to prevent light from entering through the sides.

• Wear a hat: A wide-brimmed or baseball cap provides additional shade. 

• Be mindful of reflections: Remember that UV rays are reflected off surfaces like water, snow, sand, and pavement. 

Avoid smoking-it harms your eyes in multiple ways: reduces blood flow, increases risk of cataracts, Glaucoma, and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to vision problems, including night blindness and cataracts. An optimal diet for protecting vision includes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and vitamins A & C.

• leafy greens like kale and spinach

• fish like salmon 

• fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A and C, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and citrus fruits 

• Eggs, nuts, and seeds high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and zinc 

Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle helps protect vision, as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol are all associated with vision problems when left untreated. Taking these steps helps you to maintain optimal vision as you age. Please feel free to reach out to the Ashland Board of Health at 508-532-7922 if you have any questions or concerns.