As we age, eye care is something that we should take seriously. The vision deteriorates with age, and it is no secret. There can be several factors, both genetic and lifestyle changes, that influences eyesight. So, keeping it sharp and healthy is essential if you want to live an energetic and vibrant lifestyle.
But how to take care of your ageing eyes? There are several things you need to consider. We have made a list of seven eyecare-for-elderly tips that you can follow right away.
1. Protect eyes from the sun
It is advisable to avoid direct exposure of your eyes to sunlight. Though the sun is essential to intake Vitamin D, direct sunlight can damage your eyesight. It is always advisable to use a pair of sunglasses that can reduce exposure. If a doctor has prescribed you eyeglasses for eye care in old age, you can opt for prescription sunglasses. You can see better with lesser risks to your eyesight.
2. Consume healthy food
Food that is rich in vitamin C help boost eyesight. You can consume fruits like oranges, strawberries, and papayas. Similarly, consuming food rich in antioxidants and beta-carotene like carrots, broccoli, and spinach can help. This will also reduce the risks of macular degradation that happens with age. It is one of the best eye health tips for seniors.
3. Wear your glasses as prescribed
If a doctor has prescribed you contact lenses or glasses, make sure you wear them as per prescription irrespective of whether you are farsighted or nearsighted. It will reduce the strain on your eyes and also help you see things clearly.
If you avoid that, your eyes will have to make that extra effort, leading to their deterioration. The strain on your eyes can also lead to other vision-related problems. If you are facing issues with your current glasses, it might be time to get your eyes tested.
4. Get regular eye checkups
You can schedule a regular eye checkup to make sure there are no issues with your eyesight. Things change drastically with age, making it essential to take extensive care of your body and health. Don’t wait back for a point where your eyes endure significant damage.
Regular eye checkups will ensure that you detect issues before they balloon into bigger problems. Your optometrist can also suggest remedial measures immediately to reduce the impact of those problems. Some common concerns related to ageing include glaucoma, cataract, and macular degeneration.
An eye checkup can also reveal other health-related issues like hypertension and diabetes. If you have certain eye conditions that require extensive monitoring, you might have to schedule regular appointments with an optometrist. They might suggest ageing eyes treatment.
5. Relax your eyes regularly
Much like any other part of your body, your eyes also work all the time. So your eyes need frequent breaks to rejuvenate themselves. You can rest your eyes every hour or two. It is a healthy practice of vision care for seniors.
6. Keep your home well-ventilated
A dull and low-light environment can make it difficult to view things and increase the strain on your eyes. Having proper ventilation will not only be better for your eyesight but also your overall health and mood. Even if you are reading something or watching a movie, make sure there is enough light around.
7. Exercise regularly
Exercising helps in improving the blood flow that can be beneficial for your eyesight. You can go for 30-minute jogging or brisk walks or even work out at home. It can be one of the best forms of eye care at home for the elderly.
The improved blood flow increases oxygen circulation in your eyes and body. It will also reduce toxins from the blood and improve your vision. Make sure that you do not carry out any stressful activities; opt for light exercises instead.
Bottom line
The path to successful eye care for the elderly begins with a healthy and proactive lifestyle. Ageing is not under your control, but you do not have to worry about it. What is under your control is opting for a proper eye care program and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy food items and exercising can also help in maintaining good eyesight.
Adopt these tips today to maintain your eyesight. Interested in getting more such insights about health and lifestyle? Join our thriving community today to learn, grow, and engage with fellow seniors.