Eye Care for Seniors

Eye Care for SeniorsThere are many things you and your elderly loved ones can do to keep eyes healthy and ensure optimal vision. With the sun continuing to shine brightly, it is important to wear sunglasses and use other necessary precautions.

Fighting Against Macular Degeneration through Eye CareWith UV rays at their worst, eyes are vulnerable and especially seniors. And according to the MayoClinic, risk factors like certain lifestyle choices and obesity can contribute to chronic eye diseases like macular degeneration. According to the National Eye Institute, here are a few ways to keep your eyes safe:

Have a comprehensive eye exam• This is the only way to be sure your eyes are healthy. • Many common eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration often have no warning signs.

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Know your family’s eye health history• Talk to your family members about their eye health history. • It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with a disease or condition since many are hereditary. • This will help to determine if you are at higher risk for developing an eye disease or condition.

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Eat right to protect your sight• You’ve heard carrots are good for your eyes. • But eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark, leafy greens is important to eye health as well. • Also, eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna and halibut, is a good way to keep your eyes happy.

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Maintain a healthy weight• Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic conditions, which can lead to vision loss, such as diabetic eye disease or glaucoma. • If you are having trouble maintaining a healthy weight, talk to your doctor.

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Wear protective eyewear• When playing sports or doing household activities, don’t be afraid to wear protective eyewear. • This includes safety glasses and goggles, safety shields and eye guards specially designed to provide the correct protection for a certain activity.• Most protective eyewear lenses are made of polycarbonate, which is 10 times stronger than other plastics.

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