HealthyLife Articles

Tag: vision

Guard Against Macular Degeneration

Mature Health: Over Age 50

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of central vision loss for those over 55 years of age. The central part of the retina (the macula) deteriorates, leading to loss of “straight ahead” vision. One or both eyes can be affected. If you are 50 years of age or older, ask your eye doctor to check for macular degeneration at routine vision exams. Ask, too, for a simple home screening device that lets you check for signs of macular degeneration on your own.

To reduce the risk for macular degeneration:

* Keep your blood pressure at a normal level.

* Maintain a healthy weight.

* Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit.

* Protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Wear sunglasses with UV block. Wear a wide-brimmed hat.

* Talk to your doctor about taking a high dose vitamin and mineral supplement to reduce the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
See The Light In Healthy Ways

Eye Conditions

* Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) uses 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, but contain tiny amounts of mercury. Recycle them according to your state’s guidelines. To safely dispose of a broken CFL, follow EPA guidelines fromepa.gov/hg.

* Wear eyewear that protects your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light when it is sunny and even on cloudy days. Choose sunglasses that block 99 to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.

* Wear a wide-brimmed hat during outdoor activities.

* Open blinds and curtains to let daylight fill rooms during the day.

* Install a skylight or solar panels for light and warmth and to save on cooling, heating, and lighting costs.

* Turn off lights when not in use. Install motion sensors, timers, and task lighting to save on light usage. One to two hours before bedtime, dim the lights.

* Wear protective eyewear during sporting events. Before mowing the lawn, look for and remove debris.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Tips To Protect Your Eyes

Eye Conditions

Look cool and protect your eyes at the same time!

* Anytime your eyes are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, wear eyewear that protects your eyes. Do this when it is sunny and even on cloudy days. Choose sunglasses that block 99 to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.

* Pick the color lenses you want, but make sure they have UV protection.

* Take sunglasses you already have to your eye doctor or to an optical shop. A UV meter can measure the amount of UV a lens can absorb.

* The sun’s UV rays are the most harmful between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

* Reflected glare from snow or ice doubles the risk of UV damage.

* If you wear contact lenses, choose ones with UV protection and wear sunglasses that have it, too. These protect eye tissue that the contact lenses do not cover.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Cataract Facts

WELL-BEING

With aging comes the possibility of developing cataracts. In fact, age is the primary risk factor for developing a clouding of the lens of one or both eyes.

Smoking and diabetes may contribute to the proteins in the eye that clump together and begin to cloud vision, but wear and tear over the years is the main culprit, according to the National Eye Institute.

If you have trouble identifying blues and purples, you may have what is called lens discoloration from a cataract forming. The condition can begin as early as age 40, but after age 60 is when cataracts start to reduce the sharpness of your vision.

Other signs of cataract formation include glaring headlights and poor night vision, double vision, faded colors, or frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contacts.

Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help to delay cataracts. If you smoke, stop. Researchers also believe good nutrition can help reduce the risk of age-related cataract. They advise eating green leafy vegetables, fruit, and other foods with antioxidants.

If you are age 60 or older, you should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every 2 years. In addition to checking for cataracts, your eye care professional can check for signs of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other vision disorders. Early treatment for many eye diseases may save your sight.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Eye-Popping Facts

WELL-BEING

Kids (and adults) are spending hours using electronics such as iPads, video games, computers, and smartphones. How much is too much for your eyes when it comes to digital device use?

Eye strain or Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a serious condition that can cause back and neck pain, dry eye, and even headaches. Statistics show that 80% of what we learn is through our eyes, which means that digital eyestrain and CVS can have a major impact on productivity and success.

VSP optometrist, Dr. Nate Bonilla-Warford suggests these eye-easing ways to avoid digital eye strain:

*Blink often:When looking at a computer or hand-held digital device, it’s common for you to blink 2 to 3 times less than you normally would. This can lead to “dry eye.” Blinking bathes your eyes in tears, and tears are naturally helpful for the eyes.

*Follow the 20/20/20 rule:When spending long periods in front of a digital device, every 20 minutes, spend 20 seconds looking at something 20 feet away to allow your eyes to rest.

*Ensure proper lighting:Poor lighting often causes eye strain. To help ease the strain on your eyes, keep bright lighting overhead to a minimum and position your desk lamp to shine on your desk, and not at you.

*Wear it:If you or your child wears prescription glasses-for digital use or otherwise-make sure to have them on.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Is 3D As Dangerous As The Warnings?

WELL-BEING

Have you read the warnings on a 3D TV or gaming system? Can 3D actually cause altered vision, lightheadedness, twitching, nausea, disorientation, especially for children and the elderly?

Through these disclaimers, companies may have been scaring away the customers they seek, but medical evidence does not back up the claims.

Professional eye photographer Timothy Bennett of Penn State Hershey Eye Center said there are no health issues associated with 3D imaging. Some people experience headaches or dizziness, but these are temporary. The images may be disorienting, but as soon as you stop looking at 3D, the feelings clear up.

He recommends sitting far from the screen, especially if you are sensitive, and take breaks from gaming or watching 3D TV.

Some people experience headaches or dizziness, but these are temporary.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Prevent Vision Loss

SELF-CARE CORNER

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness. When glaucoma is treated in its early stages, vision loss can be prevented. Yet studies show that more than half of people with glaucoma don’t use their medications properly.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology offers this advice:

*Be honest with your eye doctor about your medication difficulties.Missed a dose? It may not seem to matter much, but research shows that skipping doses can cause your glaucoma to become more severe. Ask about the best way to make up for a missed dose and how to manage your medications.

*Use memory aids.The most common reason for not taking eye drops is forgetfulness. Try simple memory aids like linking your eye drop schedule to other things you do routinely such as brushing your teeth. Mark times you take your medication on a calendar. Set an alarm on your smartphone.

*Perfect the “pocket.”Giving yourself eye drops can be challenging. In fact, research has shown that nearly 30% of people taking glaucoma medication are not properly applying their eye drops. Gently pull and pinch the lower lid to make a pocket to catch your drops. Once the drops are in, close your eyes (do not blink) and apply pressure to the point where the lids meet the nose for 2 to 3 minutes. Maybe a loved one can help you apply the drops at home.

Who’s at risk for developing glaucoma?

Risk factors include age, family history of glaucoma, African-American and Hispanic-American ancestry, diabetes, and past eye injuries. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that all people get an eye exam by age 40, especially those who have a higher risk of glaucoma.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Simple Steps To Save Your Sight

WELL-BEING

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the number one cause of blindness in older adults. AMD damages central vision, which means things like reading, driving and seeing faces are limited or impossible. There is no cure for AMD, but there are procedures and steps you can take to help save vision. Lower your risk of getting AMD with these tips:

*Don’t smoke.Studies show that smoking increases the risk of AMD. Smokers are twice as likely to get AMD as nonsmokers. If you do smoke, take steps to quit.

*Know your family history.People with a close relative who has AMD have a 50 percent chance of getting AMD. Detecting AMD early means you could save your vision.

*Eat a healthy diet.People who eat omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, are less likely to get AMD. Also, focus on eating leafy greens such as spinach, kale and leafy lettuce. Eat plenty of whole fruits (not fruit juice).

*Limit unhealthy fats and cholesterol.Eating a lot of saturated fat and cholesterol raises the risk of getting AMD. Avoid processed (packaged) foods with unhealthy saturated and trans fats.

*Be active.Exercise may keep your eyes healthy. Exercising at least three times per week can reduce your risk of getting AMD.

*See your eye doctor regularly.An eye doctor can catch AMD early with an eye exam. Find out how often you should have your eyes checked.

*Protect your eyes from the sun.Always wear sunglasses that have 100 percent UV protection when you are outside. For additional coverage, wear a wide-brimmed hat.

*Get regular checkups from your doctor.Keeping cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure under control also helps maintain healthy eyes.

*Your vision is too important to leave to chance.A healthy lifestyle and good medical care can help you avoid AMD or catch it early, before it damages your sight.

Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Macular Degeneration Foundation

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
The Importance Of Proper Eye Care

SELF-CARE CORNER

Many people don’t think about their eyes until they start to hurt or develop a problem. But even if your eyes feel fine, they need proper care to keep them healthy. Follow the advice of the National Eye Institute:

Get regular eye exams.

Your doctor can recommend a schedule for you, depending on your age and other health factors. Many common eye diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration, don’t have obvious symptoms. An eye exam can find these problems early, when they’re most treatable.

Eat a healthy diet.

Your eyes benefit from a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids. Talk with your doctor about the right diet for you.

Keep them shaded.

Wear sunglasses that have at least 99 percent UVA and UVB protection when you’re outside.

Don’t smoke.

Smoking hurts your health in many ways, including your sight. It increases your risk of eye problems that can lead to blindness. It’s never too late to quit. For free resources to help you quit, visitsmokefree.gov.

Protect your eyes.

Cover your face and eyes with goggles or a full-face mask when playing sports or doing work. Wear safety goggles when working with power tools and sharp objects. Follow your employer’s guidelines for wearing eye protection. Encourage your coworkers to do the same.

Know your family history.

If there are eye problems in your family, tell your doctor.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Under Pressure: What To Know About Glaucoma

MEDICAL NEWS

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness for people over 60, so it’s important to know what you can do about it.

Glaucoma happens when too much fluid builds up in the eye. This extra fluid causes pressure that damages the optic nerve. This damage cannot be undone once it happens. It can lead to loss of all or part of your vision. But, glaucoma can be managed and the damage to vision can be decreased with proper medical care.

People at highest risk for glaucoma

Anyone can get glaucoma. But certain groups of people may be more likely to get it, including:

* People with a family history of glaucoma

* African Americans over age 40

* Anyone over age 60, but Mexican Americans are especially at risk

* People who have high eye pressure, thin corneas or optic nerve problems

* People with high blood pressure that’s not well controlled

Signs and symptoms

Glaucoma often doesn’t have early signs and symptoms until damage has already been done. That’s why getting regular eye exams is so important. For many people, the first sign of glaucoma is loss of their peripheral (side) vision.

Don’t assume you don’t have glaucoma because your eyes “feel fine.” Many people develop glaucoma without any symptoms.

What can you do about glaucoma?

Glaucoma has no cure, but there are things you can do to slow it down and save your vision:

* If you have glaucoma, take your medicines every day. Ask your eye doctor how often you need to be seen, and stick to your appointments.

* Get a complete eye exam at least every 2 years or as often as recommended. This includes a dilated eye exam.

* Even if you don’t have glaucoma, ask your eye doctor about your risk. This includes telling your doctor about any family history of glaucoma.

People with certain risk factors for glaucoma may be given special eye drops. These drops can lower the risk of getting glaucoma but they must be used regularly to be effective.

If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, you and your doctor will discuss what treatment is best for you. It may depend on what type of glaucoma you have and how severe it is. Treatments may include:

* Eye drops that lower pressure in the eye

* Surgery done with a laser that helps the eye drain fluid better

* Traditional surgery that may include placing a new drainage tube in the eye

Save your sight – see your eye doctor to get checked for glaucoma!

Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Eye Institute

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026