A recent study has shown that vision trouble in midlife can increase the risk of depression in women. Depression can reduce the likelihood of healthy aging, boost the risk of a host of chronic physical and mental illnesses, and lead to poor health outcomes.
Vision problems tend to appear more frequently in midlife, as does depression. It seems that taking steps to correct vision troubles can boost long-term health and happiness.
What are vision problems? They can include several conditions. Some are very easy to correct; others are not. Common and correctable forms of vision trouble include reflective errors and cataracts, while other more chronic severe eye diseases include glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, and macular degeneration.
Early identification and treatment are essential to reduce the likelihood of these conditions progressing and boost the risk for depression.
It could be something as simple as visiting your eye doctor to update a corrective lens prescription.
There are various things you can do to protect your vision. Wearing 100 percent UV-protective eyewear when outdoors is the easiest thing to do. If you have a history of vision trouble and require glasses, be sure to stay up-to-date with prescriptions.
Keeping your diet and weight in check can also help with vision. A healthy heart reduces the risk for hypertensive retinopathy and diabetic retinopathy, both associated with diet and weight.
Including a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet can supply the nutrients your eyes need to stay healthy. Eating fish once or twice per week for omega-3 fatty acids can also promote healthy eyes.
Pay attention to your vision to help protect your future physical and mental health.