Celebrate Healthy Vision Month with Eye Care Tips for Seniors

Did you know that a significant number of seniors suffer from vision impairment? According to Ophthalmology Times, 25 percent of U.S. adults aged 71 and older have this condition.

As you age, prioritize senior eye health. For those in Palm Beach Gardens senior care, maintaining eye health in your golden years is crucial for an active and independent lifestyle.

Have you ever wondered how you can improve your eye health? Read on to learn all about Healthy Vision Month, as well as vision care tips that you can implement today.

What Is Healthy Vision Month?

Healthy Vision Month is a month-long celebration of eye care that takes place during May. The National Eye Institute, part of the NIH, spearheads Healthy Vision Month, providing valuable:

• Quizzes
• Eye health resources
• Eye care tips

Overall, the mission of Healthy Vision Month is to spread education and awareness. The National Eye Institute emphasizes the importance of overall healthy habits in contributing to eye health.

Aging and Eyesight

Like other body parts, eyes tend to lose their strength and function as you age. General degeneration is common, along with the need for reading glasses.

Here are some of the key vision problems seniors may face:

Presbyopia

One of the most prevalent conditions, presbyopia, occurs when your lens hardens and becomes less flexible. As the condition progresses, you'll likely need reading glasses to see up close.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD primarily damages the retina, which is the center of the eye. The main symptom of AMD is blurred and distorted vision.

Seniors suffering from AMD often struggle with activities like driving and reading. A unique problem occurring in those with AMD is the inability to recognize faces due to macular distortion.

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the eye's lens becomes cloudy. Cataracts can occur in one or both of your eyes, sometimes simultaneously. The only treatment for cataracts is surgery, where the lens is replaced with an artificial one.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes affects nearly 40 million people in the U.S., and it can cause major issues with vision as well. When blood vessels in the retina are damaged due to diabetes, it can lead to vision loss.

Glaucoma

When fluid pressure increases within the eye, glaucoma occurs. Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve, which affects how you process information and relay it to your brain.

Although damage from glaucoma cannot be reversed, early detection can lead to treatments that may halt or slow the progression of the condition.

Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when your eyes cannot produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. It can cause symptoms such as:

• Irritation
• Itching
• Burning
• Stinging
• Blurry vision

In addition, the popularity of laser vision correction procedures, such as LASIK, has also led to an uptick in dry eye. It is a common side effect, occurring in close to 40 percent of patients six months after surgery (Moskowitz Eyecare).

Vision Care Tips for Seniors

Though many eye problems are prevalent and unavoidable as you age, there are still actions you can take to care for your eyes. Here are some tips for maintaining eye health during your senior years:

Visit the Optometrist Regularly

Even if you have had good vision your entire life, it remains essential to visit the optometrist. Have your eyes examined at least once a year.

The optometrist will check whether your vision has worsened since your last visit. In addition, the eye doctor can scan for other, more serious conditions that require more extensive treatment.

Keep Your Prescription Updated

When you visit the eye doctor, you'll likely leave with a new prescription. Try to keep your glasses or contact lenses updated with the latest prescription. The correct adjustments will keep your eyes healthy and reduce eye strain.

Periodically Rest Your Eyes

Although it may be tempting to stare at your phone or iPad, looking at screens excessively can cause tiredness and eye strain. Activities like reading fine print for prolonged periods will tire your eyes quickly.

If you find yourself straining to read or squinting at a screen, it may be time to set your activity aside. Close your eyes or switch to a different task that doesn't require heavy eye usage.

Eat Foods to Support Eye Health

Did you know that your diet can greatly influence your eye health? Choosing foods that promote healthy vision can benefit you without straining your budget.

Some of the best choices for healthy eyes include:

• Citrus: High in Vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties and can prevent the formation of cataracts
• Nuts and seeds: Contain Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, which promote healthy eyes
• Water: General hydration affects every part of your body, including your eyes
• Beans and legumes: High in zinc, an important ingredient for eye health

In addition to adding nutrient-rich foods to your diet, you should also avoid foods high in sugar and fat. Limit your alcohol intake and practice moderation for sweets and treats.

Practice Sun Protection

Even brief UV exposure can significantly damage your eyes. Short-term effects include photokeratitis, which is essentially a sunburn on your eyes.

Long-term, consistent UV exposure could result in the development of conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts.

Make it a habit to carry your sunglasses, even on days without outdoor plans. It is better to be prepared than to find yourself squinting in the sun because you forgot your sunglasses.

To achieve both perfect vision and sun protection, consider getting prescription sunglasses. These sunglasses have lenses customized to your prescription, so you don't have to sacrifice clear vision for comfortable eyewear when you are outdoors.

Celebrate Healthy Vision Month at Discovery Village

During May, consider tapping into the resources offered through Healthy Vision Month. With this guide, you can formulate a plan to keep your vision sharp, even in your senior years.

At Discovery Village at Palm Beach Gardens, we emphasize senior health first. With amenities such as exercise programs, chef-prepared dining, and wellness activities, our beautiful community offers a serene lifestyle for seniors.

Do you want to make the transition to senior living? Reach out to us today to learn more or schedule a tour at our stunning campus in Palm Beach Gardens. We can't wait to hear from you!