To maintain vision health, seniors and their caregivers need to implement healthy lifestyle changes. By taking precautions to safeguard the eyes, seniors can preserve their eyesight as they age. Here are a few tips to prevent common eye conditions and enhance vision in the golden years.
Schedule a Yearly Eye Exam
For anyone over the age of 60, an annual eye exam is essential. Doctors can catch vision issues early on and provide seniors with effective treatments. These annual appointments also ensure seniors have the correct prescription. When seniors wear the wrong prescription, it can place unnecessary strain on their eyes.
Vision impairment is just one of the many issues older adults are susceptible to. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care. Waterloo families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
Eat Right
To maintain good ocular health, seniors need to eat the right foods. Older adults should eat plenty of antioxidants, as they prevent free radicals from damaging the eyes. Antioxidants like vitamins A and C can be found in many fruits and vegetables, ranging from carrots to citrus fruits. Seniors should also try to eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids enhance the function of the macula, which is responsible for visual acuity. Fatty fish such as salmon are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Some seniors need help preparing nutritious meals. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Waterloo respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Take Supplements When Needed
If seniors cannot get all the vitamins and minerals they need through diet alone, they may want to take a vision health supplement. These supplements contain ingredients like lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, zeaxanthin, vitamin E, and zinc. While most supplements are perfectly safe, seniors should consult with a medical professional before taking a new supplement.
Wear Sunglasses and Protective Eyewear
When seniors are enjoying the great outdoors, they shouldn’t forget to protect their eyes. UV-A and UV-B rays don’t just damage the skin. They can also damage the eyes, which is why seniors should always wear sunglasses with UV protection when they’re exposed to the sun. Seniors who do activities or jobs that require protective eyewear shouldn’t forget to don their safety goggles. These goggles are a must for sports such as racquetball, as well as home improvement tasks like carpentry.
Don’t Overexert the Eyes
More and more seniors are tech-savvy these days. However, there are a few downsides to computer literacy, including the eye-related issues that result from staring at screens. For seniors who spend hours every day staring at a computer or phone, it’s important to give the eyes a break. They can follow the 20-20-20 rule. According to this maxim, people should stare at a spot 20 feet away for 20 seconds every time they log 20 minutes of screen time.
Quit Smoking
Everyone is familiar with the dangers of smoking. It can cause cancer, it’s bad for the heart, and it wreaks havoc on the respiratory system. However, many people don’t know smoking is also bad for the eyes. Consuming tobacco products can increase the risk of many serious eye conditions, including optic nerve damage, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
Eye-related diseases can impact a senior’s health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Waterloo senior home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. Call us at (519) 954-2111 today to schedule a free in-home consultation.