Mr Kulkarni mentally ticked off his checklist. Presentation copied: yes. Laptop charged: yes. Visiting cards stocked: yes. It was very vital that his meeting with these big clients go well today. He checked his tie in the lift mirror. Just then something caught his eye. The ceiling of the elevator also had a mirror… Whose bald head was he staring at?? Was it really him?
Many of us who are in the forties or fifties have had these sudden jolts of realisation. And gradually, what seemed invisible earlier catches our attention every time we look at the mirror: wrinkles, sagging skin, crow’s feet around the eyes… and fading vision. But does old age always have to come with all these? Is there a way to prevent your eyes from ageing?
A lot of eye diseases are commoner in old age. However old age doesn’t always have to be inevitably linked to losing vision. Here are 6 ways to take care of your eyes and prevent them from ageing prematurely:
Quit Smoking
We all know that smoking affects our lungs. But did you know that smoking puts you at a higher risk of developing several old age diseases? Smokers are more likely to develop eye conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, optic neuropathy, dry eyes etc. What’s more, you reduce your chances of developing a serious eye problem, whenever you quit. Off course, the sooner, the better.
Eat Healthy
Diets high in saturated fats and sugar raise your chances of developing eye diseases. People who eat foods rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, omega 3 fatty acids, lutein and healthy proteins are less likely to develop old age diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration. Have plenty of fresh and brightly coloured fruits, dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, corn and yes, carrots!
Sleep well
When you don’t get sufficient sleep, your body tends to produce more of the hormone cortisol. This causes break down of skin cells. Sufficient sleep will help your skin remain elastic and less likely to wrinkle.
Wear your Sunglasses
Never forget your UV protective sunglasses, even when it’s not that sunny. UV rays have shown to cause cataracts and possibly speed up ARMD (age related macular degeneration).
Avoid rubbing your eyes
The skin around your eyes is much thinner than the rest of your face. Rubbing your eyes constantly causes the skin around your eyes to wrinkle faster. Remember this while removing your eye make-up or applying eye creams as well.
Get your eyes checked regularly
If you don’t have any eye symptoms, why should you visit your doctor right? Some eye conditions like glaucoma cause significant damage to your eyes before they show any symptoms at all. Hence your eyes may be getting damaged without you even realising it! But your eye doctor is able to catch these diseases in the earlier stages, provided you visit him even if nothing seems wrong.
These little tips will help you ensure that your eyes remain healthy, youthful and do not betray your age!
