September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to celebrate healthy habits and focus on the steps we can take to protect our health and vision as we age. As we get older, changes in our eyesight are common, but vision loss should not simply be considered a normal part of aging.
As we grow older, our eyes naturally undergo changes. You may notice that you need more light to read, have difficulty focusing on objects up close, or experience increased sensitivity to glare. These changes can often be corrected with updated glasses, contact lenses, or other treatments.
Many age-related eye conditions develop gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms in their early stages. That’s why regular comprehensive eye exams are an important part of maintaining your health, independence, and quality of life as you age.
How Aging Affects Your Eyes
As we grow older, our eyes naturally undergo changes. You may notice that you need more light to read, have difficulty focusing on objects up close, or experience increased sensitivity to glare. These changes can often be corrected with updated glasses, contact lenses, or other treatments.
However, aging also increases the risk of certain eye diseases, including:
- Cataracts – A clouding of the eye’s natural lens that can cause blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing at night.
- Glaucoma – A group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and cause permanent vision loss if left untreated.
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – A condition affecting the central vision needed for activities such as reading and recognizing faces.
- Diabetic eye disease – Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina and potentially threaten vision.
- Dry eye disease – Changes in tear production and the surface of the eye can make dry, irritated, or uncomfortable eyes more common with age.
The good news is that many eye conditions can be detected early through a comprehensive eye examination at Bissell Eye Care, often before you notice changes in your vision.
Your Overall Health and Your Eyes Are Connected
Healthy aging isn’t just about your eyes. Conditions that affect your overall health can also affect your vision. High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and other health concerns can increase the risk of eye disease.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help protect both your overall health and your eyes. Consider these simple habits:
Eat for your eyes. A balanced diet rich in leafy green vegetables, colorful fruits and vegetables, fish, and other nutrient-rich foods provides important nutrients that support eye health.
Stay physically active. Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of health conditions that can contribute to eye disease.
Don’t smoke. Smoking is associated with an increased risk of several serious eye conditions, including cataracts and AMD.
Protect your eyes from the sun. UV exposure can contribute to cataracts and other eye problems. Wear quality sunglasses that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection when you’re outdoors.
Manage chronic health conditions. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions that can affect your eyes, work with your healthcare providers to keep them well controlled.
Give your eyes a break. If you spend a lot of time reading or using digital devices, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Don’t Skip Your Annual Eye Exam
One of the best things you can do for healthy aging is to schedule regular comprehensive eye exams. An eye exam isn’t simply about determining whether you need new glasses. It can also help your eye doctor detect signs of eye disease and, in some cases, provide clues about other health concerns.
Early detection is especially important because many eye diseases can progress without obvious symptoms. Finding a problem early may provide more opportunities to protect your vision and maintain your independence.
Healthy Aging Means Protecting Your Independence
Good vision plays an important role in everyday life—from driving and reading to working, exercising, enjoying hobbies, and spending time with family and friends. Protecting your vision can help you continue doing the things you enjoy for years to come.
This September, make eye health part of your healthy-aging routine. Eat well, stay active, protect your eyes from the sun, manage your overall health, and make comprehensive eye exams a regular part of your healthcare.
If it’s been a while since your last comprehensive eye examination, contact our office at 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444 to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you protect your vision at every stage of life.
About Bissell Eye Care: John D. Bissell, OD, is the owner of Bissell Eye Care, proudly serving the Northern Pittsburgh and Alle-Kiski Valley regions. Dr. Bissell has received advanced training through the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists, enabling him to help patients living with vision impairment and low vision challenges. With two convenient office locations and evening appointments available, Bissell Eye Care offers comprehensive eye exams for the entire family—starting as young as six months. Our services include ocular disease detection and treatment, prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses, specialty activewear eyewear, contact lenses, and dedicated low vision evaluations for those with significant vision impairment and vision loss. We accept most vision and health insurance plans. To learn more, visit bisselleyecare.com or call our Bakerstown office at 724-443-6767 or our Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.