Celebrate Healthy Vision Month with Tips for Seniors
Our eye health is important at any age, but it becomes more important as we get older. According to the National Library of Medicine, one in four adults over 71 has some form of vision impairment. Taking care of your eyes by getting routine vision screenings is essential to your overall health.
For seniors living in Tampa, Florida, finding ways to protect their eyes, especially from strong UV rays is important. Health Vision Month is observed in May each year, and it puts a spotlight on ways to prevent eye disease. Seniors can use this time to learn about what things to look for and ways to keep their eyes healthy.
This blog will cover the significance of Healthy Vision Month for the elderly. We'll discuss some tips for preventive eye care in aging so you can stay proactive about your health.
Understanding Healthy Vision Month
Healthy Vision Month was established in 2003 by the National Eye Institute. The goal of observing this holiday each May is to encourage Americans to prioritize their eye health and find ways to keep their eyes safe and healthy.
One of the unfortunate things Healthy Vision Month points out is how little people pay attention to their eye health. According to Optikal, one in 10 adults has never had an eye health exam.
Some of the reasons people avoid getting an eye exam include:
- They believe their vision is fine
- They don't have any obvious symptoms of eye diseases
- Lack of affordable options
- They're anxious about the process
- They don't understand the importance and benefits
Many eye diseases don't show obvious signs until they've progressed to the later stages. That's why it's essential to get a routine eye appointment even if you believe your vision to be fine.
Healthy Vision Month encourages people to take proactive steps to prevent vision loss and protect their sight by spreading education and awareness.
The Significance of Vision Health for Aging Adults
It's normal for many seniors to experience changes in their vision as they age. Some common changes aging adults may experience include:
- Not being able to see or read things up close
- Needing longer to adjust to light level changes
- Difficulty distinguishing colors, like black from blue
Contact lenses, glasses, and better lighting can correct many of these issues. However, your risk for eye conditions and diseases also increases as you get older. Many of these eye changes can be serious.
Some of the eye problems that could result in blindness or vision loss in the elderly include:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Dry eye
Losing all or some of your vision can have a major impact on your daily life. It can affect your mental health and independence. It may also increase your likelihood of falling and getting injured.
Key Senior Eye Care Tips
Thankfully, there are many proactive tips seniors can take to improve their aging and vision health. Don't put your health at risk by not giving your eyes the attention they deserve.
Schedule Routine Eye Exams
Routine eye exams are one of the best ways to detect eye diseases and vision problems early. Early detection is essential for proper treatment of the problem and prevention of long-term damage.
It's recommended to have an eye exam scheduled every two years unless your eye doctor recommends getting one more frequently. Your optometrist may request that you come each year for an exam if you're over 70.
Seniors with certain risk factors may also need more frequent eye exams. Some of these factors may include:
- History of eye surgery or injury
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Family history of glaucoma
Routine eye exams can detect more than just your vision quality and eye problems. They may also be able to pinpoint other underlying health conditions, such as:
- Hypertension
- Certain types of cancer
- Diabetes
Protect Your Eyes
You should always wear eye protection, like goggles or safety glasses, whenever engaging in activities that can cause eye injury. On top of that, you'll also want to protect your eyes from dangerous UV rays by wearing sunglasses that offer UV protection when outside.
Maintain Healthy Habits
We've all heard the old wives' tale that eating carrots is good for your eyesight. There are healthy activities and meals you can incorporate into your daily life to improve your eye health. A few nutrients you should ensure you eat high amounts of include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Zinc
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
Focus on vegetables that a dark and leafy, like spinach or kale. You can also look into eating more fish, like halibut or salmon.
Being an unhealthy weight can put you more at risk of getting type 2 diabetes or other conditions that can negatively affect your eyesight. Your doctor can let you know what a good weight for you to be at.
Another bad habit to kick to the curb is smoking. Smoking is not just bad for your eyes - it's bad for your entire body. Smoking can increase your likelihood of developing the following:
- Optic nerve damage
- Cataracts
- Age-related macular degeneration
These eye conditions may lead to vision loss.
Rest Your Eyes
Most people spend a large portion of their day staring at a screen and focusing on one thing. Unfortunately, you may sometimes forget to blink while doing so. This may cause eye fatigue or strain.
A simple exercise you can incorporate is the 20-20-20 rule. After 20 minutes have passed, look about 20 feet to the front for around 20 seconds. This can give your eyes the much-needed break they need.
Explore Different Senior Living Wellness Programs in Tampa
While Healthy Vision Month puts a focus each May on staying on top of your eye health, it's always a good time to schedule an eye appointment. Talking to an optometrist can help you understand what your risk factors are and things you should look out for in regards to eye diseases. You should put as much focus on your eye health as you do on every other aspect of your body.
At Discovery Village Tampa Palms, we prioritize our residents' health by offering memory care and eye support. Our Dimensions Health & Wellness Program honors Healthy Vision Month each year and routinely offers our residents workshops that help improve their health. Reach out to our office to learn more about our offerings.