article_snippet.sent: Related: 9 worst eye care mistakes you're making .
article_snippet.sent: That's why the American Academy of Opthalmology recommends getting a baseline eye exam when you turn the big 4-0, even if you have perfect vision.
article_snippet.sent: Things like a family history or high blood pressure, or issues within the eye (like having a thinner cornea, for example) might lead your MD to prescribe drops that can reduce your chances of developing glaucoma by about half.
article_snippet.sent: Sun exposure can up the risk for glaucoma and macular degeneration, as well as cataracts (
article_snippet.sent: clouding of the lenses).
article_snippet.sent: Make sure your sunglasses offer 99% to 100% UV protection.
article_snippet.sent: Sporting a pair that doesn't filter UV light is more dangerous than wearing no shades at all, because the dark lenses cause your pupils to dilate and allow in more harmful rays.
article_snippet.sent: While smoking is bad news for many parts of your body, you may not have considered eyes to be one of many parts of your body.
article_snippet.sent: However, smoking doubles your risk of macular degeneration.
highlights_snippet.sent: Sun exposure can up the risk for glaucoma and macular degeneration .