March is Save Your Vision Month and now is a fantastic time for seniors to focus on their vision and eye health. If your senior parent hasn’t had a vision screening in the last six months you should schedule an appointment at their eye doctor today. Regular eye screenings are important for seniors to protect their vision as well as their eye health. During routine vision and eye checkups doctors can look for some of the most common eye problems that impact seniors like glaucoma and cataracts and start treatment if necessary.
If your senior parent has some vision changes that are making it difficult for them to continue living alone in-home care can help. With in-home care seniors can continue to live independently and safely in the home they love. Seniors can also use their tips to keep their eyes healthy and protect their vision:
Protective Eyewear
Wear appropriate eye protection when engaging in activities that pose a risk of eye injury. This includes using safety glasses when doing home repairs or yard work and wearing sunglasses that provide UV protection when outdoors. Proper eyewear can prevent accidents and protect eyes from harmful elements like dust, debris, and ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Eat Your Vegetables
Seniors that want to protect their eye health should eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc. Leafy greens, carrots, and other vegetables are the best sources for the vitamins and minerals that will keep eyes healthy.
Drink Water
Water is essential for good health, including good eye health. Seniors should challenge themselves to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, or 9 if they live in a hot climate.
Manage Chronic Health Conditions
Chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension can impact eye health. Seniors should follow their doctor’s instructions and make lifestyle changes to manage these conditions. They should also take their prescribed medications.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the worst things that seniors can do for their health, especially for eye health. Seniors who smoke have a much higher risk of age related macular degeneration, cataracts, and other eye diseases. Smoking can also cause blood pressure related vision changes. Seniors who still smoke should talk to their doctors to get help quitting smoking.
Control Blood Sugar Levels
For seniors with diabetes, maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial for preventing diabetic retinopathy, a condition that affects the blood vessels in the eyes. Regular monitoring and adherence to a diabetes management plan can help protect vision.
Limit Screen Time and Take Breaks
Prolonged use of digital devices can contribute to eye strain and discomfort. Seniors should follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps reduce eye strain and fatigue.
Improve Lighting In The House
Seniors who are living in their own homes should make sure they have proper lighting throughout the house. Changing light bulbs to the recommended wattage, adding more lights, and making sure that there is enough light for things like reading or watching TV can all help seniors improve their vision.
Manage Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are a common issue, especially among seniors. To alleviate discomfort or itch associated with dry eyes seniors can use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops as recommended by an eye care professional.
Wear UV-Protective Sunglasses
Seniors should protect their eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Prolonged exposure to UV rays increases the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions. Seniors should choose sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
If you or an aging loved one are considering in-home care in Columbia, SC please contact the caring staff at Avodah Home Care. Call (877) 4-AVODAH
Avodah Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Abbeville, Aiken, Anderson, Barnwell, Calhoun County, Chesterfield County, Darlington, Dillon, Edgefield, Batesburg-Leesville, Florence, Greenville, Greenwood, Columbia, Lexington, Camden, Blythewood, Winnsboro, Orangeburg, Sumter, Gaston, Hopkins, Bishopville and surrounding areas.
Our team includes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, home health aides, and other healthcare professionals, all of whom have years of experience in the home care industry. We work together to provide comprehensive care that encompasses both medical and non-medical services, helping our clients maintain their independence and live with dignity in their own homes.
With our decades of experience, we have developed a deep understanding of the home care industry and the best practices for providing high-quality care. We are dedicated to staying up-to-date on the latest advances in care delivery, and we are committed to providing our clients with the most effective, evidence-based care.
At our core, our team is driven by a deep commitment to our clients and their families. We know that home care can be a difficult and challenging journey, and we are here to provide the support, guidance, and care that our clients need to thrive. Our team members are not only experienced professionals, but also compassionate and caring individuals who are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our clients.
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