Top Tips to Maintain Your Vision at All Ages

There are many eye conditions and diseases that can compromise the vision. While some of these are hereditary, many are related to lifestyle habits and aging. Fortunately, that means there are things people can do to preserve good vision throughout their life.

Optometrists from GW Eye Associates are happy to help individuals from La Jolla, CA, Carmel Valley, CA, San Diego, CA, and surrounding areas consider the best tips for maintaining the vision at all ages - from childhood into the senior years.

Eye Care Tips for Children

It is important to start good eye care habits when children are young. This promotes lifelong practices that preserve eye health and help to protect against eye injuries and infection. Children should be encouraged to:

• Play and exercise often
• Eat plenty of fruits and beverages 
• Avoid rubbing or touching the eyes
• Keep the hands clean 
• Keep sharp objects away from the eyes
• Wear sunglasses when outdoors

In addition to these habits, it is important that children have their vision tested periodically. Children have their first eye exam scheduled before six months of age. After that they should see the doctor at the age of three and once again before starting school. If the vision is clear and no eye conditions are present, children should continue with eye exams once every two years.

Eye Care Tips for Teens

Teens are more independent, which can make it easier for them to practice the habits that are essential to eye health and good vision. However, teens also lead pretty busy lives, so they may need to be reminded to prioritize eye care. We recommend these eye care tips for teens:

• Exercise regularly to promote blood circulation
• Eat a well-balanced diet and limit “junk” foods
• Get plenty of sleep each night
• Be careful to keep make-up and other face products out of the eyes
• Wear sunglasses when outdoors and protective eyewear when participating in sports
• Minimize time in front of a screen, or take breaks when in front of a screen for extended periods
• Schedule eye exams once every two years

Eye Care Tips for Adults 

Adults should be especially careful about practicing good eye care habits, because aging increases the risk of eye diseases and vision impairment. Presbyopia, a condition that affects close-up vision, is especially common after the age of 40. These tips can help adults continue to promote good vision as they age:

• Try to maintain a healthy weight
• Maintain an active lifestyle and eat a well-balanced diet, including foods rich in lutein, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and zinc
• Refrain from smoking
• Protect the eyes from UV rays
• When using a computer, practice the 20/20/20 rule (take a break every 20 minutes and focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
• Know your family medical history and be aware of any conditions that could increase your risk of eye diseases
• Continue to schedule routine eye exams (the frequency of eye exams may need to increase to once annually if risk factors are present)

Eye Care Tips for Seniors

Seniors face the greatest risk of eye diseases that cause vision loss, including glaucoma and cataracts. To preserve clear vision and promote good ocular health, seniors should consider these tips:

• Stay as active as possible
• Choose foods that are rich in nutrients that support eye health
• Wear sunglasses whenever outdoors
• If necessary, wear prescription lenses as directed
• Avoid too much time in front of the TV, computer, or phone
• Use plenty of light indoors to avoid eye strain
• Increase eye exams to once yearly

Contact GW Eye Associates

If you would like to learn more tips for promoting clear vision, or if you are due for a comprehensive eye exam, the optometrists at GW Eye Associates are here to help. To schedule an appointment, contact our practice online, or call (858) 283-5793.