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5 Tips for Maintaining Healthy Vision as You Age from a Tampa Eye Doctor

As we age, maintaining good vision becomes increasingly crucial for a high quality of life. Our eyes, like any other part of our body, undergo changes over time. However, with proactive care and attention, you can significantly contribute to preserving your eye health.

As the top eye doctors in Tampa, we at Florida Eye Center know how important a role an individual’s lifestyle can have on the health of their vision. We have curated a list of our top tips to help you maintain healthy vision as you age.

1. Eat a Balanced Diet

Consuming a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients can help your vision. Studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids play a role in reducing age-related eye diseases and dry eyes, which are common as we age. 

Some foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that you can introduce into your diet include:

  • Leafy Greens
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Nuts and Seeds

2. Wear Sunglasses to Protect Your Eyes

Living in the Sunshine State means being exposed to a high level of sunlight throughout the entire year. While the harmful UV rays in sunlight are known to cause sunburn, long exposure to UV rays can also cause short- and long-term damage to your eyes. 

To protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Look for sunglasses with 100% UV protection to reduce the risk of eye damage related to sun exposure.

3. Manage Chronic Health Conditions

Conditions like diabetes and hypertension can affect your eyes. Regular check-ups, as well as adherence to prescribed medication regimens and lifestyle adjustments, are essential for managing these conditions well and preventing potential eye complications. 

Working closely with your healthcare provider can help you maintain both your overall health and the health of your eyes. Inform your Tampa optometrist of any conditions that you have so that they can more accurately assess your vision condition.

4. Limit Your Screen Time to Lessen Vision Discomfort

Using our smartphones, tablets, and computers to watch/stream shows, play games, and connect with family and friends has become part of everyday life. However, looking at a screen for an extensive amount of time can cause eye strain, blurry vision, and dry eyes. 

Take breaks when using your devices. You can give the 20-20-20 rule a shot: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. Doing this quick exercise could reduce strain. If you start to experience any vision discomfort, make sure to talk to your eye doctor.

5. Quit Smoking

Smoking isn’t just bad for your lungs — it can hurt your eyes, too. Smokers are at a higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage. Quitting smoking can help reduce your risk of developing these eye conditions.

Schedule Regular Eye Exams at Florida Eye Center

Caring for your eyes as you age doesn’t have to be complicated. You can take proactive steps to preserve your vision and enjoy a better quality of life as you grow older. However, routine eye check-ups with the Tampa eye doctors at Florida Eye Center are crucial, especially as you get older. 

Conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts can become more common with age. By scheduling regular eye exams, you can catch potential issues early and take steps to manage them effectively. 

To request an appointment with one of our Tampa optometrists, please fill out our online form or contact our office at (813) 602-7336.

Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Florida Eye Center website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services provided by the medical professionals at Florida Eye Center or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. The content, views, and opinions communicated on this website do not represent the views of Florida Eye Center. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Although this website contains links to other medical websites, this is strictly for informational purposes. Florida Eye Center is not responsible nor do they approve of the content featured on any third party linked websites referenced on this website.

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