NEW YORK, Oct 8, (Agencies): The adage goes that your eyes serve as the mirrors to your soul. However, with the passage of time, you may notice a gradual clouding of these mirrors. Aging inevitably brings about changes in vision, some occurring gradually, while others manifest abruptly as possible indicators of underlying medical issues requiring attention.

As the number of candles on your birthday cake increases, so does your susceptibility to eye-related conditions and diseases. Nonetheless, there are proactive steps you can take to safeguard the well-being of your aging eyes.

Understanding your risk level is paramount. Familiarize yourself with the factors that can influence your vision and learn how to spot potential symptoms. If your job entails prolonged hours in front of a computer screen, you're likely no stranger to eye fatigue and strain, which can lead to temporary blurry vision. Taking short breaks every 20 minutes and considering blue light-blocking glasses for work can alleviate these concerns. Those working outdoors or in environments where eye hazards are present should wear appropriate protective eyewear and respond promptly to any eye injuries. Additionally, being aware of your family's eye health history is crucial, as over 350 eye diseases have a hereditary component. Although you cannot change your genetics, such awareness will enable you to identify symptoms and seek preventive care.

Regular eye examinations are essential, even if they aren't the most anticipated appointments. They should be high on your list of priorities as you age. Regardless of your family's history of vision problems, routine eye exams can help detect issues early, before they escalate. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends eye check-ups at least once every year or two after reaching the age of 65. Common age-related eye conditions like cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration can be identified and managed early with the help of an ophthalmologist.

Protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays is imperative. Prolonged exposure to UV light has been linked to an increased risk of cataracts and eyelid cancers, as per the US National Institutes of Health. Wearing suitable hats and sunglasses that block at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays is advised. If you wear prescription glasses, contacts, or over-the-counter reading glasses, keeping them up-to-date is essential, as your vision needs may change over time.

Maintaining overall health plays a significant role in preserving your eye health. A diet rich in eye-friendly foods such as almonds, broccoli, carrots, eggs, kiwi, leafy greens, salmon, and sunflower seeds can provide your body with the essential nutrients for optimal eye health. Such a diet also encourages healthy blood glucose levels and body weight, reducing the risk of diabetes, which is a leading cause of preventable blindness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you are a smoker, quitting is of utmost importance. Smoking is associated with numerous diseases, including those that affect the eyes. Smokers face a higher risk of conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts. In fact, smokers are twice as likely to develop age-related macular degeneration and two to three times more likely to develop cataracts compared to nonsmokers, as reported by the CDC. Hence, quitting smoking can significantly contribute to maintaining good eye health as you age.