Did you know that over the last few decades, there has been a 9% increase in seniors developing conditions such as cataracts and vision impairment, according to an article published by Frontiers in Public Health? In a retirement-friendly city like Raleigh, NC, looking after your eyesight is as important as looking after the rest of your health once you reach your senior years.
During Healthy Vision Month, we've created this guide to share some of the simple steps you can take to protect your eyesight.
Never miss an eye exam, as this could lead to eye strain for longer than necessary. Regular eye exams ensure eye care professionals can check whether you are at risk of age-related conditions such as:
You should aim to visit your eye care professional at least once a year or more frequently if you have concerns about your eyesight. If you are in a senior living community, please speak with the staff for assistance in arranging appointments.
One of the reasons it's essential to stick to eye care appointments is to ensure you're always wearing the most up-to-date glasses or contact lens prescriptions. It helps reduce strain on your eyes, which can lead to headaches, fatigue, and the risk of falls.
Additionally, ensure you always have your glasses with you, even if you don't think you'll need them. You never know when you'll walk into a diner and need to read a menu displayed on a board.
Understanding the warning signs of vision problems can ensure you seek help early. Warning signs include:
Remember, the sooner you get help for vision problems, the better. Eye care professionals can provide you with the proper treatment, whether that involves medical intervention or an updated eyewear prescription.
Nutrition has a surprisingly significant effect on eye health. In your senior years, you'll need to be proactive and ensure you increase your intake of nutrients that will help maintain your eyesight. The best foods for eye health include:
Senior living communities like ours at TerraBella Northridge offer chef-prepared food made from fresh, balanced, and highly nutritious ingredients. So you never have to worry about maintaining a balanced diet.
You need to protect your eyes from the harm caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. That's especially important during the sunnier months of the year in Raleigh. UV exposure can raise your risk of several eye conditions, including:
Don't simply opt for the latest fashion brand of sunglasses, but choose one that's labeled with the proper protection. That includes 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays, so look for that on the label. A wide-brimmed hat is also a good idea to provide your eyes with more shade from direct sunlight.
Some chronic health conditions can impact your eyesight. That includes:
If you have any of these conditions, you face a higher risk of problems with your eyesight. For example, if you have type 2 diabetes that isn't well controlled, that could lead to a condition called diabetic retinopathy, which is where the blood vessels in the retina become damaged.
It's essential that you are properly managing these health issues and receiving the right therapy and consultations with your healthcare practitioner. Given your higher risk, you may also want to take additional precautions, such as more frequent visits to your eye care professional.
When reading a book or a newspaper, it's vital to have plenty of light and opt for glare-free bulbs. Reading in darkened rooms can cause unnecessary strain, and over time, this can lead to damage to your eyesight.
If you have a loved one in memory care, consider investing in a proper reading light for them.
Don't forget to check other areas of their apartment to ensure they are properly illuminated, such as hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
Maintaining your physical fitness in your senior years has numerous benefits. It helps maintain muscle strength and mobility and even improves your mood. However, did you know that staying fit is also crucial for maintaining good eyesight?
Regular exercise helps your blood circulation, and staying active in this way helps lower your risk of age-related eye conditions. Plus, you don't need to do an hour-long high-impact workout at the gym to benefit.
Engaging in gentle activities such as swimming, walking, or yoga can have a positive impact on your physical health. If you are in a senior living community like TerraBella Northridge, consider signing up for one of the many group fitness classes we have as part of our on-site activities program.
Smoking is another risk factor for eyesight problems that you need to be aware of, and that includes the risk from second-hand smoke. It can raise your chances of getting cataracts and macular degeneration because the harmful chemicals in cigarettes cause damage to the optic nerve.
Even if you quit, make sure you stay away from others when they are smoking to lower your risk, which might mean politely asking family members or friends to move to a designated smoking area when they light up. Focus on spending as much time as possible in smoke-free environments.
Healthy Vision Month serves as a reminder not to neglect our eyesight, especially as we approach our senior years. Your first step is to book an appointment with your eye care professional.
At TerraBella Northridge, our helpful staff is always by your side to support you in all your health goals, whether that's assistance with eye care appointments or arranging some group fitness activities. To discover more about the support and amenities available in our senior living community, schedule a tour today.