Our eyes are important and I cannot stress this enough. We, being seniors, should know that macular degeneration, alongside with several other eye problems come with aging. Causes might also be the way we use—and abuse—our eyes, it can also be lifestyle related since it was reported that smoking can also cause macular degeneration, then there is the gene factor which tells us that eye problems are almost always hereditary in nature. Experts are most likely to tell you that macular degeneration is age-related which is short of saying that you cannot do anything about it and certainly there’s no way around it.
However, on the brighter side, there are ways to protect your eyes from macular degeneration or at the very least, delay its onset but it should start early in your life and not later when your eyes are about to go. Below is a simple guide to help you care for your eyes properly:
·         Load up on eye vitamins and tonics. Vitamin A is needed for healthy eyes and to maintain good eyesight. Go for foods with high concentration of beta-carotene such as carrots. Lutein is good for your eyes too while Goji berries lessen your risk of having eye problems , not to mention they are so good to munch on. Most of these vitamins and tonics can be found in health stores.
·         Ward off ultraviolet rays by wearing sunglasses. Invest in a good pair of sunglasses and try to remember wearing it everytime you go out especially if it is sunny. While a little sun shining is okay, you must not let your eyes be exposed for longer periods of time as it will do your eyes some damage.
·         When working on DIY projects, always keep your eyes safe by wearing safety goggles. Who would want to end up with wood splinters in their eye anyway? To avoid eye emergencies, always play it safe.
·         Try to keep your eyes moist all the time. While it is quite impossible to impose tears when there is none, you can use eye lubricants to keep it from drying however consult your eye doctor before putting anything in your eye as it is a very delicate thing to mess up with.
·         If you are wearing contact lenses, make sure that you observe correct replacement schedule. If your contact lenses are dailies, then you should be replacing them on a daily basis; if they are yearly, then make sure you throw away the old pair and buy new one on or before a year. It is done to prevent antigens and protein deposits from damaging your eye.