July is Healthy Vision Month
Essential Tips for Seniors to Preserve Eye Health
Maintaining healthy vision is crucial for seniors, as it significantly impacts their quality of life and overall well-being. Our eyes are the primary means through which we perceive the world, facilitating tasks ranging from reading and driving to recognizing faces and experiencing the beauty of nature. Good vision is essential for performing everyday activities effectively and safely. When eye health is compromised, it can lead to difficulties in these areas, affecting independence and reducing the overall quality of life.
July is Healthy Vision Month, and here are some tips seniors can use to help maintain healthy vision and a better quality of life for many years to come:
Get regular checkups
As we age, our eyes undergo various changes that can affect our vision, including a decrease in the ability to focus on close objects, reduced peripheral vision, and a decline in color sensitivity. Common age-related eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration can further compromise vision. Therefore, regular eye exams are essential for early detection and management of these conditions. Seniors should aim to visit an eye care professional at least once a year to monitor their eye health and update prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses.
Eat a healthy diet
In addition to regular check-ups, seniors can adopt several lifestyle changes to support their vision health. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can provide essential nutrients that promote eye health. Foods like leafy green vegetables, fish, nuts, and seeds are particularly beneficial. Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce the risk of developing diabetes, which can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a serious eye condition. Moreover, wearing sunglasses that block UV rays and protective eyewear during activities that pose a risk to the eyes can help prevent damage from external factors.
Maintain good eye health habits
Finally, incorporating healthy habits into daily routines can further protect and enhance vision. Seniors should ensure they have adequate lighting in their living spaces to reduce eye strain and avoid prolonged exposure to digital screens by taking regular breaks. Regular physical activity can improve blood circulation, which is beneficial for eye health. Engaging in hobbies that require visual focus, such as reading, knitting, or painting, can keep the eyes sharp and the mind engaged. Additionally, quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing age-related eye diseases.
By taking these proactive steps, seniors can maintain their vision and continue to enjoy an active and independent lifestyle for many years to come.
Dr. Ken Sebastianelli has served as Medical Director for Elan Skilled Nursing and Rehab, a Jewish Senior Life Community, since 2012. Dr. Sebastianelli is a board-certified Internal Medicine practitioner with Prime Med Medical Group, and is affiliated with Geisinger Community Medical Center and Moses Taylor Hospital. He is also a member of the Medical Executive Committee at Geisinger Community Medical Center.
