4 Ways to Lower Your Risk of Common Eye Diseases

The National Eye Institute estimates that 36.5 million Americans have one of the four leading eye diseases: glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.

Considering these diseases can affect vision, increase your risk of blindness, and lower your quality of life, it’s natural to wonder what you can do to prevent them in the first place.

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to lower your risk.

Read on as our experts at Maryland Eye Care Center share four ways to lower your risk of common eye diseases.

1. Schedule regular eye exams

Many eye diseases develop slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. Comprehensive eye exams allow your Maryland Eye Care Center provider to detect early changes, monitor your eye health, and start treatment if necessary.

Adults should aim for an exam at least every 1-2 years, or more frequently with risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease.

Children need eye exams:

At birth
Between 6-12 months
Between 3-5 years
Every 2-3 years starting at age 5

Our team offers a variety of exams — adult, senior, diabetic, sports, and kids — all under one roof. If you’re unsure which type you need or how often you need one, reach out.

2. Add more eye-friendly foods to your plate

Not only are antioxidants, vitamins C and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids good for your body, but they also help protect against conditions like age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Load your plate with leafy greens, colorful vegetables, fish like salmon or tuna, nuts, and citrus fruits to give your eyes the nutrients they need.

Zinc is crucial if you’re at risk of macular degeneration. The recommended dietary allowance for zinc is 8 milligrams per day for women and 11 milligrams for men.

However, the National Eye Institute suggests a much higher dosage — often around 80 milligrams — if you have risk factors for age-related macular degeneration.

You can find zinc in oysters, meat, poultry, legumes (like beans and lentils), nuts and seeds (pumpkin, hemp), dairy products, eggs, and whole grains.

3. Protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays

Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays. Unprotected exposure increases your risk of cataracts, ocular melanoma, and other eye conditions.

To protect your eyes:

Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays
Wear your sunglasses year-round
Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outside for long hours
Wear sunglasses when participating in water sports or skiing

Need a new pair? We offer name-brand sunglasses (prescription and non-prescription) for everyday wear, driving, and water sports.

4. Adopt lifestyle habits to manage underlying health conditions

Conditions like hypertension and diabetes don’t just impact one body system. They can affect the entire body, including your eyes. Keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control helps protect the tiny blood vessels in your eyes.

Exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and maintain a healthy weight to reduce your risk of these conditions and any eye-related complications from them.

Concerns about your eyes? Talk to us!

Whether you see the signs of an eye disease or want to focus on prevention, let’s talk. Our team at Maryland Eye Care Center in Hyattsville and Silver Spring, Maryland, specializes in treating and preventing eye diseases.

Request an appointment by phone or online today.