Don't Take Your Eyes for Granted

Imagine what life would be like if you couldn't see well. Reading might not be possible. Watching a movie could be tough. Focusing on the face of a loved one could drive you to tears.

The number of people losing their vision is growing, yet experts say much of this vision loss could be prevented.

Don't put off regular eye exams because your eyes feel fine or you don't wear glasses or contact lenses. Signs of some eye diseases like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are present before you might notice symptoms.

Get annual exams

People who are 65 or older should have an annual eye exam even if they are seeing well.

Many diseases cause vision loss as we age, but AMD is the Western world's top cause of blindness. Leading to loss of your central vision, it may cause dark spots in your sight, make straight lines appear wavy, or cause text to seem blurry. AMD, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and dry eye syndrome can all rob you of sight.

It's best to see your eye doctor before trouble starts. But these signs should prompt a visit at once:

• Trouble seeing objects close up or far away

• Colors that seem faded

• Poor night vision

• Double or multiple vision

• Loss of side vision

• Poor central vision or straight objects that look wavy

• Blurry text or type

Save aging eyes

• See your eye doctor regularly (each year if you're 60 or older)

• Don't smoke

• Use sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) rays in bright sun or at high altitudes

• Exercise regularly

• Eat healthy