12. Protect your vision
Keeping up with your eye health is about more than just seeing, according to Dr. Claudia Gonzalez, optometrist and co-owner of Stirling Eyecare Center in Butler.
“It's just like the rest of your body,” Gonzalez said. “As we get older you can get cataracts. Generally that's from sun damage. That's more common in people 50 and above. If you have health issues, they can affect the eyes as well.”
A typical eye exam consists of a pre-test that takes about five minutes and involves a lot of questions by the doctor to determine where your eye health might be, according to Gonzalez.
“In a regular eye exam we can detect high blood pressure, diabetes and all kinds of health issues,” Gonzalez said. “We recommend yearly visits, but if you are young and healthy, maybe every two years.”
After that, Gonzalez said she and/or the other doctors will look at your eyes and conduct certain tests.
“We check the front part first,” Gonzalez said. “A lot of times we will dilate their pupils, which widens them to get a better look at their retina.”
Aside from regular eye exams, about 40% of Gonzalez’s time consists of “medical eye care,” which involves diagnosing and treating dry eyes, glaucoma, cataracts and other conditions.
Gonzalez said regular exercise is one thing people could do at home to help their eye and overall health, but there is more that people can do in their everyday lives.
“Polarized sunglasses are really good to protect eyes from the damage the sun can do, which causes cataracts,” she said.
