Celebrate Healthy Vision Month With Tips for Seniors

By the age of 65, approximately one in three seniors will experience some form of vision loss. This can seem scary, especially if you are planning an active and fulfilling retirement in the tranquil surroundings of Lake Houston in Atascocita, TX.

However, with modern medicine and adaptive tools, there are many things you can do to protect your eyes and provide the support you need if you start to experience any loss of vision. To mark Healthy Vision Month, we've compiled this guide on eye health to share everything you need to know in your senior years.

Eye Health in Your Senior Years

Good eyesight is essential to all of us, yet we often overlook its importance. When you reach your senior years, you might be conscious of the fact that you are at a higher risk of vision problems.

If your eyesight begins to decline as you get older, you may find yourself worrying about losing independence, enjoying fewer of your favorite activities, or facing a higher risk of accidents. That's why it's vital to prioritize eye health in your older years. Maintaining eye health is directly linked to your well-being.

Scheduling Your Eye Examination

One of the easiest and best things you can do to protect your eye health in your senior years is to attend regular eye examinations. Add these to your calendar to ensure you don't miss them.

For most seniors, these examinations occur once a year; however, you may want to schedule an interim one if you are concerned about new vision problems or other symptoms.

Early diagnosis after an eye exam can mean you can start treatment right away or receive a suitable glasses prescription that allows you to continue enjoying life to the fullest.

Knowing the Warning Signs of Eye Problems

In your senior years, you're more at risk of some eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma. Here are some of the warning signs that should warrant a visit to your eye consultant.

Blurry Vision

Blurry or cloudy vision could be a warning sign of cataracts. If you notice that everyday tasks (such as reading books or recognizing faces) are more difficult because your vision seems blurred, get your eyesight checked.

Sensitivity to Light

New sensitivity to light is a warning sign that needs investigating. It could indicate a condition like glaucoma.

Problems With Night Vision

If you are finding it increasingly hard to see items or faces in low-light settings, this is worth further investigation. It is sometimes a symptom of diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration.

Irritable Eyes

If you find yourself with itchy eyes or tend to rub them, it's often due to an underlying allergy, such as hay fever. However, if this is a new symptom, consult your eye specialist, especially if you also experience dry eyes.

Bumping Into Objects

If you regularly bump into tables or door frames, don't write this off as clumsiness. It could be a symptom of an eye condition, such as peripheral vision loss.

Aging and Vision Care: Adapting Your Senior Apartment for Good Eye Health

There are small changes you can make to your environment to help support your eye health.

First, review the lighting you have indoors. You want a range of lighting to suit different purposes, as that will ensure you aren't straining your eyes. For example, if you have a favorite chair for reading, ensure that it has a proper side light to help illuminate the screen.

Similarly, overhead lights in your kitchen will stop you from squinting when reading recipes or packet instructions. Don't forget to keep your blinds open during the day to let in plenty of sunlight, as natural light is essential for maintaining good eyesight.

Make sure you have a layout that's open-plan and hazard-free, too. If you are worried about declining eyesight, easy movement without the risk of falls is crucial.

Senior Eye Health: Use Assistive Devices

Nowadays, there are numerous excellent devices available on the market to make your life easier if you are experiencing declining eyesight. Invest in these to help reduce eye strain and ensure you can continue participating in all the regular activities you enjoy:

• Magnifying glasses
• Large-print books
• Large font settings on your phone and tablet
• Screen readers
• Talking clocks
• Voice-activated assistants

If you are in an assisted living community, discuss your vision concerns with your care team. They may have assistive devices available for you to try. Embracing supportive tools reduces frustration and allows you to maintain your daily routine without compromise.

Eye Wellness in Retirement Living: The Best Nutrition for Eye Health

You can take lots of proactive steps to protect your eyesight, and that begins with a healthy diet. Choose foods rich in vitamins and minerals, and limit your intake of processed foods. Nutritious foods that support eye health include:

• Salmon or mackerel
• Carrots
• Leafy greens
• Citrus fruits

A balanced diet is essential to ensure your body receives all the necessary nutrients. Fountainwood at Lake Houston features a talented team of chefs crafting healthy, balanced menus so you can have peace of mind knowing you're doing all you can to protect your eyesight.

Vision Protection for Older Adults: Wearing Sunglasses

It's essential to protect your eyesight from the sun's glare. Bright sunshine exposes you to UVA and UVB rays. UV (ultraviolet) rays are harmful to our eyes. The cornea and lens absorb them, which can, over time, lead to damage such as photokeratitis, where the cornea becomes irritated and damaged from exposure to the sun.

Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat whenever you are outside in the summer months, even on cloudy days, to provide the best protection.

Healthy Vision Month: Assisted and Memory Care Vision Support

Healthy Vision Month serves as a reminder not to fear eye problems in your senior years but to take a proactive approach to your eye health. Use the tips outlined in the article to guide you, and make sure you keep attending regular eye examinations.

Enjoy your retirement at Lake Houston by choosing our exceptional senior living community at Fountainwood. You can take the first step by booking a tour. You'll discover an environment that feels like a familiar family home, with caring staff and a welcoming atmosphere.