Seniors’ bodies alter as they age—and these changes include vision. Whether due to genetics, lifestyle, or environmental factors, vision gets worse as people grow older. It’s important for older adults to protect their eye health through the years with these 9 tips.

How prevalent are vision problems in seniors?

Vision problems are common complaints among the elderly. About 18 percent of people aged 65 and older have some type of visual impairment. Visual impairments include blindness and are a major cause of a loss of independence in the older adult population.

A visually impaired older adult has difficulty reading even with glasses or contact lenses. Or, rather than severe vision impairment, seniors may suffer from poor vision. Their blurry vision is corrected by eyeglasses, reading glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery.

Why do vision changes occur in the elderly?

Like the body, the eyes physically change over time. Healthy eye function is influenced by a loss of flexibility in the lens, which affects its ability to switch from seeing near to far. Aging eyes have reduced muscle strength, lower tear production, and lens discoloration.

Certain medical conditions also cause deterioration to eye health in the elderly. A cataract reduces visual sharpness by clouding over the lens. Glaucoma causes irreversible damage to the eye by increasing pressure. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by leaking blood vessels, which damage the retina.

What are tips to protect vision as seniors age?

1. Eat a Healthy Diet

Many common causes that affect vision health are preventable. Seniors are encouraged to consume balanced meals to improve their vision. The risk of developing age-related macular degeneration is reduced by eating foods rich in antioxidants, beta-carotene, lutein, and vitamin C.

These nutritious foods include fruits, like kiwis, oranges, and strawberries; red bell peppers are also high in vitamin C. Incorporate vitamin-rich veggies, such as carrots, spinach, broccoli, kale, and squash. This is a small sampling of healthy foods that prolong the health of seniors’ eyes.

2. Wear Eye Protection Outdoors

Direct sunlight can be damaging to the eyes, requiring ample eye protection. Wearing sunglasses reduces exposure to the harmful rays of the sun. Seniors who wear eyeglasses should switch them out for a pair of protective prescription sunglasses to continue seeing clearly outdoors.

3. Wear Prescription Eyeglasses

Eye strain is reduced when seniors wear their prescription eyeglasses. Without them, the older adult’s eyes work harder to focus, leading to tired eyes and other eye health issues. If vision remains blurry despite wearing glasses, seniors should get an eye exam to update their prescription.

4. Get Annual Eye Exams

An optometrist can detect vision problems early on and recommend solutions to delay symptoms of disease. Common age-related problems eye specialists look for during exams include cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other degenerative conditions. An eye exam can also reveal diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

5. Manage Chronic Conditions

Seniors diagnosed with chronic diseases, like diabetes and high blood pressure, are urged to properly manage their condition to prevent vision problems. Work with a health care provider to prevent the diabetes from damaging blood vessels in the retina and causing blurry vision.

Similarly, seek advice from a physician to better manage high blood pressure. A healthy blood pressure level does not damage the eyes’ blood vessels. However, high blood pressure can damage the retina, cause fluid buildup under the retina, or damage the optic nerve.

6. Install Extra Lighting

Ample lighting allows the eyes to process what people see. A well-lit home reduces the senior’s need to strain their eyes while indoors. Especially when older adults read a lot or watch television, extra lighting helps the aging eyes focus and reduces strain.

7. Exercise Regularly

Older adults who engage in a regular exercise program are less likely to suffer from age-related eye diseases. Physical activity encourages blood flow, leading to a healthier body overall. Seniors are advised to exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, or around 30 minutes a day.

8. Stop Smoking

Smoking is known to be a major contributor to lung and heart disease. It also damages other organs, like the eyes. Cigarettes produce a toxin that exposes the elderly smoker’s eyes to harmful effects. Seniors who smoke should stop. Ceasing smoke improves their eye health and general well-being.

9. See a Doctor

Some symptoms point to underlying health conditions or advancing eye disease. Seniors who experience the following symptoms are urged to see a medical provider right away. These include sudden changes to sight, eye pain, double vision, swelling around the eye, and flashes of light.

Older adults promote their eye health by modifying their lifestyle to incorporate healthy habits, like eating right, exercising, and scheduling regular eye appointments. If they need help, the compassionate caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are ready to provide hands-on support.

Our reputable home care agency delivers quality senior home care to the elderly. The nonmedical care services we provide include transportation to the eye doctor’s office, pharmacy to pick up prescriptions, or the senior center to give care recipients an opportunity to socialize with peers.

We also prepare healthy meals to encourage eye health and overall physical health. The home remains clean and clutter-free with our light housekeeping services. Caregivers assess the home for fall risks and remove hazards. Help with personal hygiene tasks, like bathing and toileting, are included.

Our professional caregivers are licensed, bonded, and insured to give seniors and families maximum peace of mind. Caregivers are trained in CPR and first aid and know how to respond in the event of an emergency. Care options are also flexible and can be customized to meet unique care needs.

When elder home care is right for your aging loved one, choose Assisting Hands Home Care, like so many satisfied seniors in Miramar, Florida, and the surrounding communities do. Schedule your free in-home consultation today and see how quality home care will improve your loved one’s health and well-being.