Healthy Aging Month | cedarseevision

As we age, our eyes need extra care to maintain clear vision and overall eye health. September marks Healthy Aging Month, a national campaign focused on raising awareness about the importance of taking proactive steps to age in good health, including paying close attention to eye health.

Why Eye Health Matters in Aging

The risk of eye conditions like cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy increases significantly with age. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and prevention of these diseases. Catching issues early can help preserve vision and prevent sight loss later in life [oai_citation:3,September is Healthy Aging Month: Eye Health and Shaping the Future of Aging - Partners for Sight] (https://partnersforsight.org/september-is-healthy-aging-month-eye-health-and-shaping-the-futureof-aging/).

Common Age-Related Eye Conditions

Cataracts: A clouding of the lens within that can contribute to significant blur and affects more than half of Americans by the time they reach 80. Thankfully, surgical intervention can reverse the blurred vision.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): A condition that blurs central vision which can impact everyday activities like reading and driving.
Glaucoma: Often called the "silent thief of sight," glaucoma can damage the optic nerve without noticeable symptoms until vision loss occurs.
Diabetic Eye Disease: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision issues or permanent blindness.

Tips for Healthy Vision as You Age

Schedule regular eye exams: Detect conditions early before it’s too late.
Wear sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV rays, which can accelerate conditions like cataracts.
Adopt and maintain a healthy diet: Foods rich in antioxidants, like leafy greens, berries and fish, can support eye health.
Monitor changes: Report any changes in vision, such as blurriness, new flashes, new floaters, more floaters than usual or sudden loss of vision to your eye doctor as soon as possible.

Embracing Innovation

Ongoing research is developing new treatments for age-related eye conditions. For example, breakthroughs in cataract treatment could lead to drug-based therapies that replace the need for surgery [oai_citation:2,Studies point to potential development of a cataract drug | ScienceDaily](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240918125102.htm) [oai_citation:1,September is Healthy Aging Month: Eye Health and Shaping the Future of Aging - Partners for Sight](https://partnersforsight.org/september-is-healthy-aging-month-eye-health-and-shaping-thefuture-of-aging/).

This month, take a proactive step by prioritizing your eye health. A few simple changes can help you maintain clear vision and improve your quality of life as you age.

Book your eye exam today and ensure that you’re taking the best steps toward long-term eye health! Call today! 302-609-0041