Some degree of vision loss affects almost all people as they age, but experts are saying there are ways to protect eyes that can minimize the risk of bigger problems in the future.
“Proper care and caution is very important to prevent serious eye diseases and possible blindness,” says Texas Ophthalmological Association (TOA) president Dr Galen Kemp.
He adds, “Something as simple as remembering to wear your sunglasses can delay the development of cataracts.”
TOA says that in addition to sunglasses, proper eye protection during sports events, such as hockey and baseball games, as well as during home repairs, gardening and cleaning is very important.
Lifestyle changes can also have beneficial effects. In particular, studies have shown that smokers and ex-smokers are more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD) than people who have never smoked. Smokers are also at increased risk for developing cataracts.
Moreover, as vitamin deficiency can impair retinal function a diet rich in leafy green vegetables is highly recommended.
A recent study conducted by researchers from Brigham and Womens Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston found that a combination of vitamins B6 and B12 and folic acid appears to decrease the risk of AMD in women.
The vitamins can also be obtained from nutritional supplements. 