Eye care for seniors
Prioritising eye health becomes more crucial as we age. Read below to see how to maintain sharp and vibrant eye health in your senior years
As we age, we will notice a few changes in how we see things. Reading a book requires a bit more squinting, or perhaps the vibrant colours around us don’t seem as bright. It’s a common part of getting older. In fact, studies show that by the age of 65 you have a 90% chance that you have started to develop a cataract. This is just one of many things that can affect your sight. That is why eye care for seniors is so important.
With the right care and information, most of you can maintain good eyesight and continue enjoying your surroundings. For those who want to live independently at home good eye sight is so important. So we put together this article that provides a straightforward guide on how to best care for your eyes as you age.
Common conditions
Growing older is a natural part of life, and just like the rest of our body, our eyes undergo changes as the years go by. It’s important to recognise these changes, so we can take steps to manage or prevent potential issues.
a. Presbyopia: As we reach our 40s and 50s, we might find it harder to focus on objects that are close up. This is called presbyopia. It’s why many of us need reading glasses or bifocals to read a book or see our phone clearly.
b. Cataracts: These are cloudy areas in the lens of the eye. They can make our vision seem blurry, like we’re looking through a foggy window. Cataracts tend to develop slowly over time and are a common reason some seniors might need surgery to improve their sight. It’s the most common eye surgery performed in NZ and takes about 20 minutes.
c. Macular Degeneration: This is when a part of the retina, called the macula, gets damaged. It affects our central vision, making it hard to see details directly in front of us and could be noticed with blind spots in your vision, blurring in a part of your vision. It’s important to detect this early.
d. Glaucoma: This condition increases pressure inside the eye, which can damage the optic nerve. It’s sneaky because it often doesn’t show symptoms until vision loss occurs. However, with early detection and treatment, it’s manageable.
e. Diabetic Retinopathy: For those with diabetes, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the retina, leading to this condition. It can cause blurred vision or even vision loss. Regular eye check-ups and managing diabetes effectively can help prevent it.
Understanding these changes doesn’t mean accepting a decline in vision as inevitable. With regular check-ups and by staying informed, many of these conditions can be detected early, managed, or even treated to ensure we keep seeing clearly.
Key Tips for Maintain good vision
As we age, eye care becomes even more important. Thankfully, with a few steps we can ensure that our vision remains as clear as possible. Here are some key steps that we recommend:
- Regular Eye Exams: Don’t wait for problems to arise. Schedule routine eye check-ups at least once a year. These visits can detect issues early, making them easier to manage or treat.
- Eat Right for Your Sight: Just like the rest of our body, our eyes benefit from a healthy diet. Consume foods rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Think leafy greens, oily fish, eggs, nuts, and citrus fruits. There is a special vitamin formula that is recommended for some eye conditions called AREDS which contains (Vit C, Vit E, Beta-carotene, Copper and Zinc). It’s worthwhile considering taking these vitamins for eye health.
- Protect from the Sun: Harmful UV rays can affect our eyes just as they do our skin. Consider wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection when outdoors, and don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat for added shade.
- Take Breaks from Screens: If you enjoy reading e-books or catching up with family on video calls, remember to give your eyes a break. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Ensure Proper Lighting: Straining to see in low light can strain your eyes. Use bright, consistent lighting when reading or working on hobbies. Consider adjustable lamps that can focus light exactly where you need it.
- Stay Smoke-Free: Smoking harms our lungs, but did you know it can also deteriorate our vision? If you smoke, consider quitting. If you don’t, keep it that way for the sake of your eyes and overall health.
By incorporating these habits into our daily routines, we stand a better chance of maintaining good vision, allowing us to continue enjoying the beauty of the world around us.
Lifestyle changes for better vision
Our daily habits and routines play a significant role in maintaining our eye health.
a. Eye Exercises: Just like our bodies benefit from daily stretches and movement, so do our eyes. Simple exercises like blinking, focusing on near and far objects alternately, and gentle eye rolling can help improve focus and reduce strain.
b. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Proper hydration helps reduce dry eye symptoms and keeps the eyes well-lubricated.
c. Home Environment Tweaks: Make small adjustments at home to better accommodate our eyes. This can include using high-contrast colours for objects we use often, reducing glare on screens and surfaces, and ensuring pathways are well-lit to prevent falls.
d. Safe Driving Practices: As vision changes, it’s essential to make sure we’re still safe on the road. This might mean driving only during daylight hours, avoiding glare by using anti-reflective coatings on glasses, and ensuring our vehicle’s headlights and windshields are clean for optimal visibility.
e. Stay Active: Regular physical activity improves circulation, which is beneficial for the eyes. Whether it’s a walk around the neighbourhood, a swim, or a dance class, find an activity you enjoy and stick with it.
f. Manage Health Conditions: Certain health conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure, can impact our vision. It’s crucial to manage these effectively with the help of healthcare professionals to prevent potential eye complications.
Embracing these lifestyle adaptations not only helps in preserving our vision but also contributes to our overall well-being. As the saying goes, “The eyes are the window to the soul.” Let’s make sure those windows stay clear and bright.