Keeping Healthy Vision as We Age
Key takeaways about keeping vision healthy as we age:
- Eye exams detect vision issues and overall health problems like diabetes and heart disease, often before symptoms appear.
- Watch for vision changes including blurry vision, eye pain, flashes of light, floaters, redness, or swelling.
- Protect your eyes daily by wearing sunglasses, eating well, staying active, managing health conditions, and taking screen breaks.
You’ve probably heard the saying “the eyes are the windows to the soul,” but did you know they’re also a window to our overall health? Understanding what vision changes to expect as you age is not only important for your vision health but also for your overall health.
Vision changes that come with aging
Regular exams with your eye doctor can help diagnose vision-related issues such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and many more. They can also help diagnose other health issues, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Vision changes to watch out for as you age:
- Blurry or weakened vision
- Double vision
- Redness or swelling
- Flashes of light
- Eye pain
- New floaters
- Tearing
- Eyelid swelling or itching
If you notice any of these changes in your vision, it’s time to visit your eye doctor. However, you shouldn’t only visit your eye doctor when you notice something wrong with your vision. Many vision issues, such as glaucoma, can be diagnosed at your regular eye exam before any symptoms are present.
Keeping healthy vision as we age
Visiting the eye doctor isn’t the only thing you should be doing to keep your vision healthy. It’s important to protect your eyes in between visits.
Here are some helpful tips to protect your eyes:
- Wear sunglasses outside
- Eat a balanced diet
- Stay active
- Control other preexisting conditions
- Stop smoking
- Take breaks from electronic devices
Prioritize your vision health today
Your eyes are an essential part of your quality of life and overall health. By scheduling regular eye exams, watching for warning signs, and practicing healthy habits daily, you can protect your vision for years to come. Don't wait for symptoms to appear. Take proactive steps now to keep your eyes and body healthy as you age.
If you’re looking for vision coverage, DeltaVision makes it easy to care for your eyes, find an eye doctor, and make an appointment. Our network has more than 88,000 providers at over 27,000 locations nationwide.
We partner with popular providers like LensCrafters® and Target Optical℠, in addition to many smaller, independent doctors. These retailers offer conveniences such as multiple locations and extended hours to help members get the service they need when they need it.