Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in General Eye Health on September 10, 2021
Do you think you know how to take care of your vision as you age? Do you ever think about what else you can do to keep yourself healthy?
Your eyes let you watch movies, read, understand facial expressions, drive, and so much more. It’s essential to keep them healthy to maintain your quality of life.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has dedicated September to healthy aging to highlight the importance of healthy vision. Keep reading to learn more about healthy aging and how it can impact your eyesight.
Maintain a Good Diet
Eating a healthy and balanced diet is vital for maintaining your eye and general health. Issues tied to your diet can severely impact your vision.
For example, your eye health can come under threat from diabetes or unbalanced blood sugar levels. To reduce your blood sugar levels, you need to modify your diet by reducing your intake of sugar and carbs.
You will have to avoid soda, candy, bread, and starchy foods. Eating a well-balanced diet will help your eye and general health.
A balanced diet means that you are eating foods that give you the proper nutrients. For your eye health, you should eat foods high in vitamins A, E, and C and fatty acids, in particular.
Eat Enough Omega-3 Fatty Acids
If you are looking for foods to eat to improve your eye health, focus on foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Foods that you should try to incorporate into your diet include:
Fish
The best types of fish to eat for your eyes include tuna, trout, salmon, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and herring. Eating more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may even be able to reduce dry eyes.
Seeds
Seeds of all kinds are an excellent source of omega-3s, and vitamin E. Try to eat plenty of flax, hemp, and chia seeds, in particular.
Nuts and Legumes
Nuts and legumes are good sources of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. They can help prevent conditions tied to aging. Try to eat peanuts, lentils, walnuts, cashews, and Brazil nuts regularly.
Regular Exercise
Being active is also essential to your overall health. That can mean activities like going on walks, swimming, biking, yoga, and more.
You should aim to exercise daily, eventually. But, when beginning a new exercise routine, only do the types of exercise and as much as your doctor recommends.
Going too far above and beyond your doctor’s orders could lead to injury. There are many benefits to being active, though, so be sure to find a way to add it to your day.
Some of these benefits include lower blood sugar levels, losing weight, and reduced stress. If you have diabetes, aerobic and resistance training especially can help manage it.
To start, try to exercise at least three times a week for thirty minutes. Then work with your doctor to increase this time as you get healthier.
Get Regular Exams
Going to all your doctor appointments is vital to staying healthy as you age. You need to visit your primary care doctor as well as specialists, like eye doctors. The best way to keep your eyes and body healthy is through regular exams.
Are you ready to see how you can take care of your eyes while you age? Schedule an appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, now to take control of your eye health!
