Vision health is important at any age, but is especially important as we get older, as the risk of vision loss and conditions that cause vision loss become more prevalent. Having consistent vision can help prevent falls, stay active and maintain independence. Here are a few tips to help keep your vision healthy.
Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables
Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases and dry eyes. Dark leafy greens such as kale, spinach or collard greens and fish such as salmon, tuna and halibut are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making them helpful for maintaining healthy vision. Nuts and seeds like walnuts, flax and chia seeds are also full of omega-3 fatty acids.
Wear Sunglasses
Long-term sun exposure for your eyes can result in cataracts and macular degeneration. Protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays by wearing sunglasses. You’ll want to make sure your sunglasses block out 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B radiation.
Limit Your Screen Time
If you spend a lot of time on your computer or focused on any object, take a rest every 20 minutes or so to avoid eye strain. Focusing on one thing can make you forget to blink and cause eye fatigue, so it’s important to give your eyes a rest.
Maintain Healthy Weight
Try to reduce your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic conditions that can lead to vision loss, such as diabetic eye disease or glaucoma, by maintaining a healthy weight. Healthy weight can often be maintained by eating a balanced diet and regularly moving your body. If you have struggled maintaining a healthy weight, it could be beneficial to talk with your doctor.
Understand Your Family’s Medical History
Some eye diseases are hereditary, so knowing your family’s health history can help determine if you’re at a higher risk of developing an eye disease.
Schedule Your Annual Eye Exam
Eye diseases like glaucoma don’t show any symptoms but are important to catch early on, making your annual eye exam essential. A comprehensive eye exam will include reviewing your family medical history, vision tests, eye pressure and optic nerve tests and more.
SelectQuote Can Help You Find Coverage for Eye Exams
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) generally does not cover routine vision care like annual eye exams, eyeglasses or contacts. Fortunately, there are several options to help cover the costs of vision care. At SelectQuote, we can help you understand the ins and outs of Medicare coverage and make sure you have the coverage you need for both your vision and overall health.
