Birmingham
eye doctor Tyler Hall, M.D. counseled that efforts to protect eye health needs to
be a priority as we enter or 40’s. Dr. Hall explained, “As we enter our 40’s
and beyond, middle age is a time when symptoms of many eye diseases may begin
to emerge and when other diseases can develop without any symptoms at all. It
is crucial for adults even without symptoms or known risk factors for eye
disease to get a baseline eye examination at 40 for early detection, diagnosis
and treatment of eye problems, conditions & diseases.”
Starting early will help to preserve
eye health and vision. Some things to consider as we enter our 40’s:
Eye Health & Exercise
Our eyes need good blood circulation and oxygen intake,
and both are stimulated by regular exercise. Regular exercise also helps keep
our weight in the normal range, which reduces the risk of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. Remember to use sun safety and protective eyewear when enjoying sports and recreation.
Eye
Health & Smoking
Avoiding smoking, or quitting, is one of the best investments you can
make in your long-term overall and eye health. Even though as you enter your
40’s old age seems a long way off, smoking can increase your risks
for cataracts and macular degeneration (AMD) as well as for cardiovascular diseases that indirectly
influence our eyes’ health. Smoking increases the risk of severe vision loss
for people with other eye diseases, such as glaucoma, as well.
Eye Health & Sleep
As we sleep, our eyes enjoy continuous lubrication. Also
during sleep the eyes clear out irritants such as dust, allergens, or smoke
that may have accumulated during the day. Some research suggests that
light-sensitive cells in the eye are important to our ability to regulate our
wake-sleep cycles. This becomes more crucial as we age, when more people have
problems with insomnia. While it's important that we protect our eyes from
over-exposure to UV light, our eyes also need exposure to some natural light
every day to help maintain normal sleep-wake cycles.
Eye
Health & Systemic
Health Problems
Systemic health problems like
high blood pressure and diabetes that may be diagnosed or become more
problematic in midlife can also affect eye health. One warning sign of both
high blood pressure and diabetes is when the ability to see clearly changes
frequently. Be sure to keep your eye doctor informed about your health
conditions and use of medications and nutritional supplements, as well as your
exercise, eating, sleeping and other lifestyle choices.
Eye Health & Dry Eye
This uncomfortable condition
becomes more common as people age. Women are more susceptible after menopause
due to hormonal changes, but incidence also increases for men as they grow
older. It is usually treated with over-the-counter or prescription eye lubricants.
If dry
eye is severe, surgery to reduce tear drainage may be needed. If you have
contact lenses, follow the use guidelines and avoid wearing lenses longer than
recommended. If dry eye persists, talk to your eye doctor about possible
treatments. Definitely discuss dry eye treatment with your eye doctor if you
are thinking about or planning to have LASIK
or other refractive surgery. Some medications increase dry eye. If you
are taking pain relievers, antidepressants, antihistamines, or have questions
about your medications, please bring this to our attention during your eye
exam. You may wish to consider following a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids
(DHA and EPA) as it may reduce or help prevent dry eye.
If you
or someone you know is entering their 40’s, it is time to schedule regular eye
exams to preserve eye health and vision. Please feel free to call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in
Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye &
Cataract Center or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.
Michelson Laser Vision, 327
Summit Boulevard, Birmingham, Alabama 35243 and Alabama Eye & Cataract
Center, 1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205 are leading eye care centers in
Birmingham.
