THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER Text by Amber Beasley The eyes are the most sensitive organs in the human body, so caring for them is vital. As we age, our eyes begin to wear down, just like every other part of the body. Some decline in eyesight performance is quite normal, says Dr. Stuart Ball, of Mobile Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat. There are several age-related eye diseases, however, that make regular visits to the ophthalmologist imperative. "Diseases like glaucoma are not detected until you are examined," Ball says. Regular eye checkups can detect problems like this early on, before they cause permanent damage, and Ball says prevention is important. Optometrist John Clardy, of Premier Medical, points out that eye exams can shed light on other health issues, too. Eye professionals can detect problems like diabetes and high cholesterol levels simply by peering into the windows to the soul. 20s - 30s Always wear safety glasses when watching bright flashes, working with high-tech machinery and even cutting the grass or using a weed eater, says Ball. Use sunglasses or wear a hat to protect your eyes from too much ultraviolet light, Ball suggests. He adds that our close proximity to the equator means Bay area residents may be exposed to harmful rays. If you have a family history of diabetes, eye disorders or a diagnosed vision disorder, such as cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration, make an appointment with an ophthalmologist or optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam. "Lasik eye surgery should be performed when the patient's eyes do not change for two or more years," Clardy says. By around age 26, most patients are able to have the surgery and maintain optimal results afterward. 40s - 50s Among this age group, the lens in the middle of the eye gets thicker, says Clardy. This causes people to push things away in order to read. Simple reading glasses or bifocals should help. Keep your blood pressure under control. High blood pressure can damage vessels that supply blood to the eye. Smoking can age the eyes' lenses significantly, causing them to break down faster than those of non-smokers. Permanent lens damage can lead to cataracts. Also, avoid overexposure to sunlight, heavy alcohol use and high blood sugar. All of these factors heighten risk of cataracts. 60s and beyond Make an appointment with an ophthalmologist or optometrist annually. Many eye problems occur without pain and no early symptoms. If you notice any changes in your eyes, see your doctor immediately. People with diabetes especially need regular eye exams to detect problems such as diabetic retinopathy, caused by high blood sugar, which can be caught early and, in some cases, treated. "When a patient's life becomes restricted by cataracts, surgery can be performed," Clardy says. "The cloudy lens is replaced by a clear lens, or even bifocal implants." Dry eyes are a common ailment among older adults. Low tear production can prevent clear vision, but prescription eye drops can be used to ease the discomfort. COMPLEXION DIRECTION Text by Amber Beasley, Bethany Kraft and Leighton Mosteller Our skin is one of the first places we start showing our age. Telltale brown spots appear on faces, necks and hands, or we notice dullness in our complexions. These signs of slowdown in cell renewal are often due to one common culprit: the sun. Dr. William Stephen Martin, a facial plastic surgeon with The Martin Center in Mobile, treats patients of all ages in his clinic. "There are three main ways we can tackle the aging of our skin and complexions," he says. These three keys are sunscreen, antioxidants and exfoliants. "The importance of each step varies depending on whether you are looking to prevent or treat the signs of aging. The younger you are, the more important protecting your skin is so that you can slow down the signs of aging." Dr. Thomas Bender, of Gulf Coast Dermatology and Skin Care Centre, says one of the first steps of prevention is knowing your family's history of skin disease. He also suggests that people "be vigilant and make sure to catch the first signs before spots turn cancerous." 20s - 30s Martin recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVB (burning) and UVA (aging) rays. Even a relatively short exposure to the sun's harsh rays is enough to cause permanent skin damage. Bender suggests a daily routine of sunscreen on the neck and upper chest. UVA rays used in tanning beds cause skin cancer. Be aware of exposure and consider other options, such as spray tanning. When fishing or boating, bring cover-ups that offer protection without overheating. Finally, says Tera Shade, owner and esthetician of Bliss Spa, "A well-balanced diet and at least three liters of water a day will keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful." 40s - 50s Bender recommends getting examined regularly. People at this age start to see the first signs of damage. Those who frequently work outside should be aware of "ugly developing spots that are irregularly shaped and colored." Wrinkles and brown spots are signs of oxidation caused by free radicals, which are produced when UV rays enter the skin. Martin suggests using antioxidants such as vitamin C to help neutralize free radicals before they can damage your complexion. Exfoliating helps to speed skin cell turnover and maintain a glowing complexion. Look for moles that are varied in color and irregularly shaped in diameter. Moles with hints of grey, red or blue coloration are signs of cancer. 60s and Beyond At this age, people tend to see more skin lesions that are cancerous. See a dermatologist regularly to catch lesions at a precancerous stage. Precancerous and certain types of cancer cells can be easily treated with photodynamic therapy. For skin discoloration, use cream products, ultraviolet therapy or laser treatment. "Older skin needs more moisturizer," Shade says. "Moisturizer for this stage in life should contain retinoids and antioxidants (such as vitamins E and C) because these compounds help cells regenerate. Use a mild cleanser to wash your face and a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells." Topical treatments, such as Retinoid-A or glycolic acid, help develop new collagen and keep the skin glowing. Check back Friday for the final installment of Mobile Bay's special Health and Wellness Section.