Protecting Your Eyes as You Age: Tips for Healthy Aging Month

As we age, our bodies go through many changes, and it's important to take extra care of ourselves. One area that gets overlooked is our eye health. According to the CDC, approximately 12 million people over the age of 40 in the U.S. have a visual impairment. This includes more than 1 million people with a form of blindness.

September is Healthy Aging Month, and our professionals at Kirk Eye Center hope to raise awareness about maintaining good overall eye health. So, what is Healthy Aging Month, and how can we protect our eyes during this time? Read on to find out.

Call now to book an eye exam and take proactive steps to improve your vision. Our knowledgeable team in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, and Chicago, IL has helped countless Chicago-area patients address common eye conditions such as presbyopia, glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration.

What is Healthy Aging Month?

You may have heard this term before, but what is Healthy Aging Month? During this time, health professionals and organizations all over the country focus on promoting healthy habits for older adults. This includes incorporating exercise, proper nutrition, and preventive healthcare into their daily routines. At Kirk Eye Center, we also take this opportunity to educate patients about the natural changes that occur in the eyes over time.

What eye conditions occur in older adults?

Here are some of the most common eye conditions that can arise as we age:

• Presbyopia: Do you find yourself holding books and menus further away from your face? This is a symptom of presbyopia, which occurs when the lens loses elasticity and makes it more difficult to focus on close objects.
• Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a group of diseases that increase pressure inside the eyes. It may lead to long-term vision loss if left untreated.
• Cataracts: Cataract symptoms occur when the lens becomes cloudy, making it difficult to see clearly. Cataracts are among the leading causes of blindness worldwide.
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): AMD causes a loss of central vision and makes it difficult to drive, read, or recognize faces. It occurs when the macula, the small part of the retina responsible for central vision, deteriorates over time.

How can we protect our eyes as we age?

There are a number of ways Chicago-area patients can protect their eyes in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, and Chicago, IL:

• Book regular eye exams at Kirk Eye Center: This allows our ophthalmologists to detect changes in your vision and provide treatment as needed.
• Quit smoking: Smoking increases your risk of cataract symptoms, age-related macular degeneration, and other eye conditions.
• Safeguard your eyes from UV rays: Wear sunglasses to reduce your exposure to harmful UV rays. This can help prevent cataracts and issues that impact the lens of the eye.
• Stay up-to-date on preventive healthcare: Managing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can also prevent vision loss.

Protect your eyes during Healthy Aging Month

Whether you have questions about cataract symptoms, glaucoma treatment options, or solutions for presbyopia, our team at Kirk Eye Center is here to help you maintain good eye health as you age. Call to book an eye exam in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL, and learn how we can help you see clearly for years to come. Come celebrate Healthy Aging Month with our team.