10 Ways to Promote Eye Health in Seniors

Losing the ability to see the world around you can be scary. Changes to vision and other eye concerns can happen quickly in older adults. Seniors should understand their risk of vision loss and take steps to ensure their vision stays clear for years to come. 

Here are our top 10 tips for maintaining healthy eyes:

Visiting your eye doctor regularly (an optometrist or ophthalmologist) is one of the most important actions you can take to maintain your eyesight. They can consider your eye health and any conditions you may have. With that they can decide on the frequency of your vision checks and measures to take to protect your eyes.

Diet plays an important part in eye health according to research. Have a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as well as omega-3 fatty acids (found mainly in fish to promote good eyes.

With regular sleep cycles, the eyes relax and the muscles rest. Seniors that don’t get sufficient sleep can experience a decline in their vision quality. Plus, as we sleep, our eyes are lubricated and can clear out irritants that are regularly accumulated. This is important to prevent both irritation and infection.

Sun exposure can facilitate cataracts and macular degeneration related to age. Wear protective lenses that block both UV-A and UV-B rays. Plus, make sure to wear safety glasses when the eyes are at risk for chemical exposure, puncture, or other irritants.

Weight can have a major role in a senior’s eye health . Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing diabetes. Individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk of vision loss. 

Smoking may increase the risk of age-related eye diseases , cataracts, and damage to your optic nerve. Stopping smoking will improve your odds of better eye health plus overall well being. 

Exercise is great for eye health because it facilitates blood circulation. This can help improve oxygen levels to the eyes keeping them healthy. Consider more exercise for both your eye health and overall health. 

Using a screen regularly like a tablet or computer can lead to eye strain. General precautions can be taken to help prevent this. Take breaks often and keep the screen at least 20 inches away from your eyes and just below eye level. A good rule of thumb is to consider the 20-20-20 rule. Each 20 minutes look out about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.

It is vital to know if anyone in your family has or has had a disease or condition that could be inherited. Examples include glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration . Knowing your risk can assist your eye doctor in planning for any necessary preventive measures to maintain eye health.

Those that wear contact should avoid the risk of infection. Simple precautions include following your eye doctor’s directions for cleaning and maintaining your lenses. Also, always washing your hands before touching your eyes.

Follow Chosen Family for more tips on being healthy well into your golden years. Consider our supportive home care services for ways that we can assist you or your loved one age gracefully and in the comfort of their own homes.

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