September is Healthy Aging Month, and a key component of aging well is maintaining eye health. Annual visits to the eye doctor are essential as you age to detect potentially serious issues early enough for treatment. The experts at Ala Moana EyeCare Associates in Honolulu, HI, offer the following guide on how to tend to your eyes as you get older.

The Best Eye Care Routine for Aging Adults

Annual Eye Doctor Visits

Eye doctors will check more than your vision. Modern imaging technology and testing give optometrists a 3D picture of the inside of your eye, which allows doctors to look for changes and signs of disease as you age. Glaucoma and macular degeneration can be mitigated when diagnosed and treated early.

Address Changes in Vision

Presbyopia is the normal change in the eye’s focusing ability that occurs as you age. Near vision begins to change in the early 40s. Squinting, closing one eye to read, or hunching over the computer to try to see better may cause eye strain, posture issues, and headaches. Don’t suffer—readers or progressive lenses are stylish, affordable, and can vastly improve your day-to-day eye health and close vision tasks.

Those who already wear glasses need an annual eye exam to keep prescriptions up to date. Keep in mind that vision may shift more often than before. Don’t put off a visit to your eye doctor just because you don’t think it’s time. If you’re having trouble seeing, address it.

Understand Common Eye Conditions

Chronic dry eyes affect many older adults, especially women. An eye doctor can prescribe artificial tears or eye creams. Don’t ignore dry eyes since the lubrication of the cornea is essential for eye health and function. Another common age-related eye issue is cataracts—cloudy areas in the lens of the eye that blur or reduce the field of vision. Fortunately, surgery to remove them is effective and safe.

Health Conditions That Impact Vision

Health conditions that are more prevalent with age may impact vision. Diabetes, high blood pressure, medications for thyroid, anxiety, or depression, and visually demanding work may all adversely affect the eyes. If you experience dryness, irritation, blurred vision, or any other issue after starting medication or getting a diagnosis, inform your eye doctor and schedule a check-up.

Vision and eye health change as you age, so you need to establish a routine of regular care to address them. The team at Ala Moana EyeCare Associates have offered full optometry services, emergency eye care, eyeglasses, contacts, and consultations for Lasik® for over 20 years. Call (808) 946-3937 for an appointment with the eye doctor, and visit the website to learn more about their services.