Aging causes seniors to experience a variety of issues, including vision loss. The good news is there are steps seniors can take to preserve their eyesight and reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Here are some of the things you should do to help your senior loved one maintain healthy eyes.
Serve More Antioxidants
Foods high in antioxidants, such as fatty fish and nuts, can protect your loved one’s vision and enhance his or her overall wellbeing. Eating antioxidant-rich foods guards eyes against damage from free radicals, which lowers the odds of developing cataracts. Consuming antioxidants helps seniors maintain the integrity and structural health of the tissues in their eyes. In addition to seafood, seniors should eat leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits to protect their vision.
Many seniors need help preparing nutritious meals. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior home care. Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Discourage Smoking & Being Around Others Who Smoke
Smoking can increase the risk of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. However, even seniors who don’t smoke are at risk of multiple chronic issues simply by being near those who do smoke. If your loved one has friends who smoke, he or she should ask them to avoid smoking in his or her presence. Your loved one should also visit non-smoking restaurants and community businesses to limit cigarette smoke exposure.
Help Them Control Blood Sugar Levels
Hypertension is one of the top risk factors associated with poor eye health in older adults. Increased blood sugar and blood pressure levels harm the miniscule blood vessels in the retina, which causes impaired vision and, in some cases, blindness. To prevent vision impairment, seniors should develop ways to control their blood sugar levels, such as eating healthy and getting regular moderate exercise.
High blood sugar and blood pressure levels can have a negative impact on an older adult’s overall wellbeing. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of homecare services Lincoln families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Encourage Resting the Eyes
Watching television, reading messages and prescription bottles, and accessing the Internet via a smartphone or computer are just some of the many things seniors do each day. These actions can overwork the eyes, which is why your loved one should give his or her eyes a break from time to time. Every 20 to 30 minutes, your loved one should spend 30 seconds staring at something 20 feet away to cut down on the damaging effects of eye strain.
Take Them for Annual Eye Exams
Going to the eye doctor is necessary, but many older adults fail to make this annual trip. Seniors shouldn’t wait until it’s too late to get their eye health in order. Many age-related eye conditions don’t have early symptoms, which is why a lot of eye diseases go undetected in older adults. Your loved one should have a comprehensive eye exam each year to preserve his or her eye health. During this exam, the doctor may fully dilate your loved one’s eyes to determine the right treatment for preventing severe vision impairment.
Loss of vision can make it challenging for seniors to live independently. Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Lincoln respite care experts from Home Care Assistance are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at (916) 226-3737 to learn about ways our experienced caregivers can help your loved one.