Five Strategies to Save Your Sight

By Dr. Marguerite McDonald, a Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at NYU School of Medicine in New York who specializes in caring for the cornea and other structures at the front of the eye. Dr. McDonald practices with the Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island. 

Our eyes change over time, and the challenges to our eye health shift, too. People in their 20s and 30s may begin wearing eyeglasses or need a different eyeglass prescription. For those in their 40s, reading glasses and problems with dry eye—which may disproportionately affect women due to hormonal changes related to the approach of menopause—are common realities. And, double or blurred vision and sensitivity to light may signal the early onset of cataracts and make activities such as driving at night difficult for individuals over 50.

To promote optimal eye health for life:

Get regular eye exams: Many women (and some men, as well) are so busy taking care of families that they forget about their own health and wellness. Take the first step. Schedule an annual exam to help detect the five major threats to eye health, including glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.

Eat for your eyesight: Plan ahead to eat plenty of berries, two daily servings of leafy greens*, two weekly servings of oily fish, and foods rich in vitamin C such like oranges and broccoli. Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain a normal tear film, which is critical for crisp vision that doesn’t fluctuate. Leafy green vegetables provide lutein and xeazanthin to help maintain the health of the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. Vitamin C helps prevent changes due to aging in all of the ocular tissues.

Stay safe in the shade: Whatever the season, always wear a hat, sunglasses, or shades when outdoors. Exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of developing cataracts or age-related macular degeneration.

Make exercise part of your day: Being overweight increases your risk of diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol—conditions that may harm the retina and result in vision loss.

Maintain healthy tears: Tears nourish and protect the eye surface from excessive dryness that can lead to impaired vision and increased risk of infection. To help ease dryness, itching, and irritation, opt for over-the-counter artificial tear products (e.g., Optive, Refresh, or Fresh Kote). Chronic use of eye whitening drops (e.g., Visine or Naphcon-A) may actually worsen eye dryness. Talk to your eye doctor if using artificial tears becomes routine. In some cases, prescription eye drops (e.g., Restasis) may be beneficial.

*Click here for delicious spinach and kale recipes to dodge macular degeneration.

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March 20, 2009