Getting Proper Eye Care for Age-Related Diseases
Age-Related Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in older adults
February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month, a disease that is the leading cause of blindness in older adults. Luckily, many new treatments have been developed in recent years to manage AMD, including medications, light therapy, and implants.
Over 20% of Hawaii residents are over 65 years old, which means many are at risk for eye diseases – including AMD and others that could cause blindness. Preventative measures and signs to look for are just a few ways to take care of your eyesight:
SYMPTOMS
There are no early symptoms, but later symptoms include loss of central vision, blurry vision, trouble seeing in low lighting, seeing colors less bright, and straight lines appearing wavy or crooked.
WHAT TO DO
If you or anyone you know sees any of these signs, see an eye doctor right away. Hawaiian Eye Center can provide comprehensive eye exams and has a dedicated team that can provide quality treatment.
PREVENTING AMD
Protective Eyewear: Prolonged UV exposure can cause AMD, as well as cataracts, corneal sunburn, pterygium, and skin cancer around the eyelids. This damage is oftentimes irreversible but can be easily prevented by wearing proper eyewear such as sunglasses and wide brimmed hats that can block out the sun’s harmful rays.
Physical Activity: Experts recommend a minimum of 150 minutes per week of mild to moderate physical activity. Regular exercise also helps keep our weight in the normal range, which reduces the risk of diabetes and of diabetic retinopathy which can affect your eyesight.
Healthy Diet: A healthy diet can lower the risk of severe eye problems and diseases. Foods that promote strong eye health include leafy greens, carrots, salmon, nuts, citrus, and more. Simple carbohydrates, such as white bread and pasta, as well as sugar, should be eaten in moderation, as they have been linked to a higher chance of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and vision loss.
Eye Exams: Maintaining annual or bi-annual eye exams can prevent any severe damage or irreversible vision loss. An ophthalmologist can diagnose eye diseases and instruct a treatment plan.
Quality Sleep: When we sleep, our bodies go to work repairing cells in our eyes for better vision quality. Our eyes also enjoy continuous lubrication, allowing them to clear out irritants such as dust, allergens, or smoke that may have accumulated during the day.
Quitting Smoking/Vaping: Smoking increases your chances of AMD, cataracts, and other eye diseases. Those who smoke are 2x more likely to develop AMD compared with people who do not smoke, and 2-3 more times more likely to develop cataracts compared with people who do not smoke.
Hydration: Staying hydrated is your body’s way of maintaining a healthy balance of fluid in the eye. Without adequate moisture your eyes can become dry, and your tear films can become deficient, which results in irritation and blurry vision, and increases your chance of an eye infection.
“Hawaiian Eye Center has been providing quality eye care, including check-ups, exams, and eyewear, for over four decades,” says Dr. Steven Rhee of Hawaiian Eye Center. “As you age, the everyday choices you make – from diet and exercise, to sleep and sun protection — can make all the difference in maintaining and protecting your eye health, vision quality, and vitality.”
To learn more or to schedule an eye exam appointment