How to Maintain Eye Health

We rely on our eyes to navigate the world around us. Despite their relatively small size, they're a pretty sophisticated piece of equipment. When light enters your eye, it travels through the clear dome-shaped front layer called the cornea. That dark spot in the middle, the pupil, grows or shrinks to control how much light comes in. Passing next through the lens, the light is focused on the retina in the back of your eye. There, millions of tiny, light-sensitive cells called rods and cones convert light into electrical signals that travel down the optic nerve to the brain. That's how you know whether you're looking at a tree or your Aunt Bea. As you get older, your vision changes. The lens can't focus as well on objects. That's known as presbyopia, or farsightedness. Older eyes have more trouble adjusting to dim light. That's why as we age, it's harder to see clearly when driving at night. What's more, age makes you more susceptible to eye diseases, like clouded lenses or cataracts. The loss of central vision, called macular degeneration, and a rise in eye pressure known as glaucoma. These conditions can lead to vision loss. So for early detection and prompt treatment, it's important to get annual eye exams. You can also take steps to help keep your eyes healthy. Wear sunglasses that block the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays. Don't smoke. It increases your risk for cataracts and macular degeneration. Eat a diet with lots of leafy green vegetables. They're rich in antioxidants known as lutein and zeaxanthin, which may protect against cataracts and macular degeneration. And include plenty of fish, such as salmon, which contain omega-3 fatty acids that may also help prevent certain eye conditions. Be good to your eyes today, and they'll be there to guide the way, no matter where life might lead you.