BETHESDA, Md.—This month, on behalf of the National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) of the
National Eye Institute (NEI), the
National Institutes of Health (NIH) have released information and resources to support “September is Healthy Aging Awareness Month.” The designation is intended to raise awareness and encourage information sharing regarding the increasing rates of age-related eye disease, as well as how older adults can protect their sight and utilize the Medicare benefit for eye disease, according to the Institutes.
The NIH posits that glaucoma, cataract and other eye diseases can damage the optic nerve of the eye and lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated. Further, many eye diseases have no early warning signs or symptoms, and while anyone can develop these diseases, adults over the age of 60 and those with family history are at higher risk. To see well for a lifetime, NIH and NEI suggest getting comprehensive dilated eye exams on a regular basis, as well as eating a healthy, balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, wearing protective eyewear and wearing sunglasses and a hat in the sun.
“Aging is a process that provides us with many opportunities to reinvent ourselves, from major transformations such as becoming a grandparent or going back to school, to simple lifestyle changes like starting a new exercise program,” NIH said. “Don’t miss out on any of these opportunities; take stock of your eye health to make sure you are seeing your best and that your eyes are healthy.”
NIH has released an
Aging & Eye Health Infographic depicting the prevention, treatment and benefits for those with or at risk for eye disease. NEI has also created a
series of videos about dilated eye exams and age-related eye diseases available online.
For additional eye health information and tips for protecting vision and aging eyes, visit
nei.nih.gov/agingeye.
