4 Things You Can do to Avoid Severe Vision Loss

Losing your vision is one of the scariest things that can happen to a person. While none of us can do much about unexpected accidents, there are many things we can do to help reduce the risk of contracting a disease that could lead to blindness. 

As we age, our eyes (and the rest of the body) undergo significant change. However, our choices throughout our life can directly impact how early this might begin to affect our eyesight.  

The following looks at common vision deterioration as we get older and what we can do throughout our lives to avoid vision loss. 

Vision Loss, Aging, and How to Slow the Clock 

• The link between health, aging, and vision loss
• 4 things we can all do to help prevent vision loss  

The link between health, aging, and vision loss 

The health of your eyes is directly connected to all-round health. This is because the body is a dynamic entity, with all parts working in conjunction with one another. For example, having low cardiovascular fitness will impact the oxygen and vital nutrients that are delivered to the eye tissues. Without enough of these, the tissues can’t renew and regenerate at an optimal level.

When it comes to aging, in the same way that we experience physical changes to our bodies that we can see and feel (such as wrinkles, stiffening joints, loss of muscle mass), our eyes also undergo change. One significant factor happens to the lens of the eyes. These become less flexible with age and, over many years, proteins clump together to prevent light from flowing through as it should. This condition is known as cataracts. It affects everyone over time (normally after the age of 50) and is one of the leading causes of blindness in the underdeveloped world. 

Happily, there are advanced techniques to remove cataracts completely. Because they evolve slowly, they rarely need treatment before the age of 60. 

4 things we can all do to help prevent vision loss

Cataracts aren’t the only cause of vision loss. Another significant issue is that of diabetic-related eye disease. The CDC states that around 37.3 Americans (that’s 1 in 10) suffer, with 1 in 5 unaware of the condition. A further 1 in 3 have prediabetes, with more than 8 in 10 being unaware of it.

These are scary stats, and many people are unaware of the risk of vision loss that’s caused by diabetes. As well as the risk of developing conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, having diabetes can make it more complicated to have a successful cataract operation as well. This makes preventing the onset of Type II diabetes something we should all be giving our greatest attention. 

The following 4 things will go a long way to helping prevent this and other diseases from developing:

1. Control weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar: While this sounds challenging, it mainly comes down to eating a healthy diet and taking regular exercise. Regular health checks should be part of your wellness routine, as well as blood tests to monitor cholesterol.
2. Know your family history: Do any family members have a history of eye disease or other health conditions? If you don't know, then ask. This is important information that you should give to your general physician and eye doctor, as many conditions have genetic links.
3. Have regular comprehensive eye examinations: This should be at least every other year or more frequently in some instances. It should include a dilated eye exam to allow the eye doctor to fully examine the interior eye structures.
4. Quit smoking—or never start: Smoking is linked to vision-threatening conditions, such as optic nerve damage, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration.

Benefit from Modern Cataract Surgery at the West Boca Eye Center 

Cataracts will, eventually, affect us all. While the condition is sight-threatening if left untreated, advanced options are available to completely rectify the condition. The Modern Cataract Surgery clinic at the West Boca Eye Center is one of the best locations in the country for cutting-edge treatment. 

Led by world-renowned cataract specialist, Dr. Brent Bellotte, the center offers treatment options that are often not available in other areas. 

Visit https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com to find out more and get in touch today to book a consultation.

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