Your quality of life is impacted directly by your ability to see the world around you clearly.
 
Optilase laser eye clinics see the delight of patient after laser eye surgery which allows them to see clearly without relying on corrective eyewear, and advise that protecting your eyesight is vital.
 
The reality is that the risk for vision trouble gets increasingly worse as we age, and some type of sight-threatening eye problem affects one in six adults age 45 and older.
 

Top Tips to Protect Your Eyes

Family History
 
Find out if you are at higher risk for eye diseases by checking out your family’s eye health history. Do any of them suffer from diabetes or high blood pressure? If left untreated, these diseases can cause eye problems.
 
In particular, diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Regular eye exams are particularly important, because an early diagnosis can limit any vision loss and help preserve your eyesight.
 
Sudden Changes in Vision
 
If you start noticing changes in your vision, see your eye doctor immediately. Some trouble signs to look for include double vision, hazy vision and difficulty seeing in low light conditions.
 
Other signs to look for are frequent flashes of light, floaters, and eye pain and swelling. All of these can indicate a potential eye health problem that demands immediate attention.
 
Exercise more frequently
 
Studies suggest that regular exercise will reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration by up to 70 percent. Exercise is good for your overall health, so it certainly can’t do any harm! Something as simple as walking for 30 minutes a day can make all the difference.
 
Harmful UV Light
 
Ireland doesn’t have very strong sunlight for much of the year but that doesn’t mean your eyes aren’t being damaged; UV light is constantly present and can damage sensitive eyes, particularly if you drive or are outside as part of your job.
 
You should always wear sunglasses with proper UV protection to shield your eyes from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. This may help reduce your risk of cataracts and other eye damage.
 
Healthy and Balanced Diet
 
Numerous studies have shown that antioxidants can possibly reduce the risk of cataracts. These antioxidants are obtained from eating a diet containing plentiful amounts of fruits and colourful or dark green vegetables.
 
Studies also have shown that eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids may reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration. Consider supplementing your diet with eye vitamins to make sure you are getting adequate amounts of the nutrients you need to keep your eyes healthy.
 
Regular Eye Checks
 
Every two years, especially as you age, you should get your eyes checked. A comprehensive eye exam, including dilating your pupils, can determine your risk for major eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, which has no early warning signs or symptoms.
 
Don't Smoke
 
Smoking is bad for everything. The dangers are well documented, and when it comes to eye health, people who smoke are at greater risk of developing age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
 
Eye health is easier to maintain than to fix; prevention is better than cure as many eye conditions can’t be treated. Make an effort to appreciate and maintain your good vision for as long as you can.
 
To book a free consultation at Optilase and find out if you are a candidate for corrective laser eye surgery, call +353 1 223 8821 or see www.optilase.com