As you age, your eye health becomes more important. Statistics show seniors 80 and older have a 12% chance of having age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Keeping yourself healthy as you age is top priority. Practice healthy habits by following these key steps:
- Schedule an eye exam: Stay up to date on your eye exams by seeing an ophthalmologist regularly. The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests getting an eye exam every 1-2 years after you turn 65. If you have any questions, speak with your primary care provider.
- Eat healthy foods: eating the rights foods may help protect your vision. Here is a list of foods you can eat for a nutrient-rich diet:
- Vitamin C. Foods with lots vitamin c are oranges, grapefruit, kiwifruit, strawberries, tomatoes, red and green peppers, and broccoli.
- Vitamin E. Healthy sources of vitamin E include almonds, sunflower seeds, olive oil, and avocadoes.
- Zinc. Legumes (beans and lentils), seeds, meat/seafood, dairy, and eggs are all good sources of zinc.
- Lutein and zeaxanthin. Both of these nutrients are found naturally in the retina—the light sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. This is why boosting your diet with lutein and zeaxanthin is a win for your eye health. You can find lutein and zeaxanthin in kale, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, and colorful fruits like raspberries, papaya, peaches, and mangoes.
- Avoid smoking: smoking raises your chances of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Schedule an eye exam to access the health of your eyes.
Taking these small steps can help with your vision. Be sure to make an appointment with your primary care provider to stay up to date on annual screenings and exams.
Sources: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/five-things-amd
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/diet-nutrition
