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Helping You Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
Not surprisingly, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that once the clock strikes 40, you should schedule a baseline eye screening (and one at least every two years after that)—even if you’ve never worn glasses or contact lenses before and have no family history of eye problems. Don’t think of it as getting older, says Doctor Derek O’Donnell of Scott & Christie Eyecare Associates, think of it as getting smarter. Regular eye exams can detect, and consequently slow down, the progression of sight-threatening conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration as well as alert you to potential health issues like high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and diabetes. In addition, eye exams can promote a greater sense of freedom. When your peripheral and nighttime vision, not to mention your near and far vision, are not what they used to be, chances are your sense of balance and depth perception are also being compromised. “A lot of common eye problems can contribute to people as young as 55 or 60 feeling less confident and comfortable in their everyday lives,” Doctor O’Donnell says. “And that can lead to a loss of independence, a greater sense of isolation and even depression.” So, as those birthdays start to add up, here’s what your eyecare professional will be on the lookout for:
With each new birthday, screenings become an increasingly important part of taking care of your eyes. But Doctor O’Donnell offers this friendly advice as well: stop smoking and start eating right. It’s not surprising that a lifestyle that excludes tobacco products while embracing a diet rich in vitamins C and E, nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids will benefit your entire body. However, the links to improved eye health are plain to see. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking increases the likelihood of developing dry eye and certain types of macular degeneration. Conversely, eating leafy green vegetables, carrots and sweet potatoes, strawberries and oranges and salmon and other cold-water fish can help reduce those odds. Also on the must-do list: wearing 100-percent UV protective sunglasses when outdoors and safety glasses when playing sports or working on certain home repair and gardening projects. “Nowadays, people in their 50s and 60s are active and working,” Doctor O’Donnell says. “We just want to make sure they’re able to continue that healthy lifestyle for as long as possible. And that means taking good care of your eyes.” www.scottandchristie.com, 724-772-5420 – Cranberry, 412-782-0400 – Fox Chapel ![]() |
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