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The Best Eye Health Tips For Seniors

Eye health is very important for seniors. As seniors get older their have an increased risk of developing eye problems that can impact their vision. Seniors who have chronic health conditions like diabetes need to pay special attention to their eye health because eye problems can be associated with unmanaged diabetes. If your senior parent who lives independently has been complaining about their eyes or vision lately elder care services may be a good thing to get for them. Elder care provides a range of support services for seniors to help them live independently.

One of the most important things that seniors can do to protect their eyes is to get regular eye exams. If your senior mom or dad hasn’t had an eye exam in a year or more you should schedule an eye exam for them soon. Doctors recommend that seniors get annual eye exams.

If your senior parent has had vision disorders in the past, has diabetes, or has vision problems now they should be getting their eyes checked every six months. That will help the eye doctor catch any problems that develop early. That also may make it easier for your senior mom or dad to get treatment.

Seniors can use these tips to help improve their eye health:

Wash Hands Frequently

If seniors don’t wash their hands often they may transfer bacteria to their eyes if they rub their eyes. That can lead to eye infections and conditions like pink eye. Your senior parent should be washing their hands with soap every time they handle food, use the bathroom, or do anything that soils their hands.

Wear Sunglasses

Encourage your senior mom or dad to wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays when they are outdoors. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can increase the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions.

Manage Chronic Conditions

Properly managing chronic health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension is crucial. These conditions can affect eye health and vision. Regular monitoring and appropriate treatment can help prevent complications. If your senior parent has diabetes or another chronic condition make sure they are getting the follow-up care they need.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Your senior parent’s diet plays a big role in their overall health, and their eye health. They should be eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids. Foods like leafy greens, fish, nuts, and citrus fruits support eye health.

Elder Care Newberry FL – The Best Eye Health Tips For Seniors

Stay Hydrated

Water is something seniors rarely get enough of. Encourage your senior parent to drink water throughout the day. And, if they have elder care, make sure the care provider is also encouraging them to drink water. Proper hydration helps maintain the natural moisture balance in the eyes and can prevent dry eye syndrome.

Quit Smoking

If your mom or dad smokes, encourage them to quit. Smoking increases the risk of developing age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts.

Use Proper Lighting

Check to make sure that your senior parent’s living spaces have adequate lighting, especially for reading and other close-up tasks. Good lighting can help reduce eye strain and improve comfort.