Since our eyes can be affected by aging, maintaining their health is important. Here are some suggestions for doing so, especially for middle-aged or older people.

When it comes to health, we sometimes ignore signs that are significant. As we get older, these signs take on new meaning as they can lead to more serious conditions that we would rather avoid.

Regular Eye Examinations

Even if you do not wear prescription eyeglasses, you should still have eye examinations.  An eye doctor can run various tests that can foreshadow possible problems in the future. Once you reach the age of 45, it is advised that you have an eye exam at least every two years.

Inform your doctor of any physical or mental changes that have taken place since your last visit. Diabetes is a condition that can affect many organ systems in the body and as for the eyes, diabetic retinopathy is a concern. When left untreated, diabetes can lead to problems with blood vessels in the eyes, retinal detachments, macular degeneration and increased intraocular pressure. Any of these factors can lead to blindness.

What You May Be Experiencing

Even the smallest change may be significant to your eye health, such as halos around lights, having trouble driving at night, or cloudy vision.

The treatment of your symptoms may be resolved when you get attention right away. Problems with lights could signal the beginning of cataracts and the doctor can recommend ways to slow down their progress.

What about flashers and floaters? If you see black spots in your line of vision, it could be a problem with your retina. A retinal specialist can examine you and recommend treatment.

Blurry vision could signify that you need reading glasses. If you already wear glasses, you may need a stronger prescription.

Know the Facts

Get information on the types of conditions that can affect your eyes as you age. Armed with a list of symptoms and signs you will know when to contact your doctor. Here are some tips to keep your eyes safe between doctor visits:

* Wear sunglasses – Whenever you are outside, protect your eyes from the rays of the sun with sunglasses. If you wear glasses, invest in prescription sunglasses or darkening shades.

* Stop smoking – Cigarette smoking can damage blood vessels, including those in the eyes, and lead to retinal problems and macular degeneration.

* See your primary care doctor for a physical – If you are diabetic, you must begin treatment.  Diabetes is one of the main causes of eye issues as you age. When it is controlled, your eyes can stay healthier.

Keep your eyes working well by staying on top of their health.