Senior Vision
As you age, your vision goes through changes. But these changes don’t have to affect your lifestyle. It can help safeguard your vision by knowing what to expect and when to seek professional care. Once you reach sixty years and above, you need to be alert of the warning signs of age-related eye health problems that could lead to vision loss.
Many eye diseases show no visible symptoms. These diseases could also progress without pain, and you may not be aware of the changes in your vision until the condition is quite advanced. Regular eye exams, early detection of disease, and sensible lifestyle choices can considerably enhance the good health of your eyes and vision.
Why Is Eye Care Critical For Seniors?
Vision problems can occur at any age, though they are more common in seniors. Eye conditions such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and glaucoma are more regular in the elderly. Chronic disorders like high pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease increase the risk of age-related eye diseases. Poor vision can result in limited mobility, a major problem when staying active is crucial to maintain health and quality of life.
How Should You Maintain Good Vision In Senior Years?
- Regular Eye Checkups
The significance of an annual eye check-up with an ophthalmologist cannot be overstated for this age group. It can help diagnose diseases like cataracts, AMD, and glaucoma in the initial stages, besides giving an insight into systemic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
- Monitor Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and Glucose Levels
Chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerosis are related to cardiovascular disorders; they also increase vision loss due to adverse changes in the eyes’ blood vessels. Hence monitoring the above health parameters is very vital.
- Wear Your Prescription Glasses
Most seniors need to wear glasses for good and clear vision. Wearing them ensures better vision and subsequently decreases the risk of falls and accidents. If the vision is still lacking despite the best medical and surgical interventions, low-vision aids can help perform your daily routine.
- Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy diet consisting of leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, provides all the required nutrients for the entire body and the eyes. Physical exercise is very crucial for maintaining good general health and being disease-free. Our eyes, just like the rest of the body, require proper blood circulation and oxygen intake, and regular exercise stimulates both.
- Avoid Smoking
Smoking is severely harmful to general health. It has been related to an increased risk for cataracts as well as AMD. The risk of macular degeneration is greater if you smoke.
If you are due for an eye examination or would like to have your eyes checked, please get in touch with us at Summerlin Vision at (702) 243-8788 to book your appointment.