Eye Care Tips for Elderly and Senior Citizens

According to studies, one in six adults (aged 60 and above) suffer from one or the other type of eye problem. Common age-related eye problems include presbyopia, glaucoma, dry eyes, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and temporal arteritis. Although it’s understood that these issues are a natural part of aging, it can be annoying to deal with vision loss – if at all it happens.

In this guide, you’ll learn some simple eye care practices. Simple and easy to follow, these tips will help you maintain healthy eyes no matter what age you are!

• Regular Eye Check-Up

Your eyes are constantly adjusting and changing, so it’s unlikely that your vision stays consistent for years. Hence make sure you have your eyes checked regularly by an eye doctor. Frequent eye exams will not only help you track your vision disorders, but will also help you treat them before it is too late. Experts recommend having a comprehensive eye exam at least once every two years.

Moreover, if you are wearing glasses daily, make sure your contacts prescription is up to date and good for reading, writing, etc.

• Wear Sunglasses While Stepping Out

Ultraviolet (UV) light can have hazardous effects on the eyelid, cornea, lens, and retina. Hence choose the right pair of shades when you step out in the sun. It will protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Wrap-around lenses are even better because they block out light and glare from the side, as well as the front.

• Nutrition is a Key Component of Eye Health

An inadequate intake of antioxidants and saturated fats may create free-radical reactions that can harm the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision. A diet high in fats may also cause deposits that constrict blood flow in the arteries.

So, as part of an eye-healthy diet, choose foods rich in antioxidants and other vitamins. Consume a lot of green leafy vegetables and fish. Many foods – especially fatty fish like salmon – contain essential omega-3 fatty acids that are important to the health of the macula. You can also remember to eat a handful of nuts every once in a while for good vision.

• Quit Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking and alcohol consumption can increase your chances of developing conditions such as cataracts and AMD - age-related macular degeneration. And AMD tends to get worse over time. Quitting smoking and drinking is something within your control that may help save your sight.

• Avoid Excessive Exposure to Smartphones/Computer Screens

Apart from back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain, staring too long at a computer/smartphone screen can affect your eye health severely. Some of the eye problems you can get from excessive exposure to computer/phone screens include eyestrain, dry eyes, blurry vision, long-distance focus issues, etc. So, it’s better if you limit or get rid of this unhealthy habit.

• Sleep Well

Your eyes can get into trouble if you are in a habit of skipping sleep regularly. So make sure you get a good amount of sleep. Adequate sleep ensures that your eyes are well-rested and strain-free.

• Consider Your Family Health History

A family history of high blood pressure or diabetes means an increased risk of suffering from an eye disease. So, make sure you take your family’s health history seriously. Discuss it with your eye doctor to avoid becoming another unsuspecting victim.

Eyecare is something that all people should consider as they age. As you grow older, several eye diseases may develop that can change your vision permanently. However, by inculcating healthy lifestyle habits you can decrease the occurrence or effects of age-associated eye problems. Remember, a little eye care now can go a long way in maintaining your eyesight in the later years of your life.

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