Save Your Vision: Maintaining Eye Health as You Age

Summary:
March is Save Your Vision Month, let’s talk about eye health. Taking care of your eye health can be simple and helps you stay healthy as you get older. Check out these easy tips for clear vision, healthy foods, and strong eyes for years to come.

There are so many wonderful things to see every day. Your eyes help you read, watch sunsets, and enjoy time with family and friends. As you get older, you might notice some changes in your eyesight. Small print may be harder to read, or driving at night can feel more difficult.

Don’t worry, these changes happen to most people as they get older. You can take simple steps right now to keep your eyes healthy and strong. When you take care of your eyes, you help yourself stay independent and safe. Let’s learn why your eyes change and what you can do to protect them.

Why Does Your Eye Health and Vision Change Over Time?

As we get older, our bodies change, and so do our eyes. The clear part inside your eye, called the lens, can get stiff. When this happens, it gets harder to see things up close, like small words in a book or on your phone.

You might notice your eyes feel dry sometimes. As we age, our eyes do not make as many tears as they used to. Taking good care of your eyes helps slow down these changes and can stop bigger problems before they start.

What Are the Best Tips for Maintaining Eye Health?

You do not need a fancy routine to keep your eyes healthy. Making a few good choices each day really helps your vision. Here are some easy ways to take care of your eyes.

How Can Sunglasses Protect Your Eyes?

The sun gives off strong light called ultraviolet, or UV, rays. These rays can slowly hurt your eyes. Wearing sunglasses is an easy way to keep your eyes safe and healthy.

Wearing sunglasses helps your eyes in many ways:

Blocks harmful light: Good glasses block out UVA and UVB rays.
Prevents eye sunburn: Yes, your eyes can get sunburned! Glasses stop this from happening.
Lowers disease risk: Protecting your eyes can help stop cloudy vision, known as cataracts.
Stops harsh glare: Dark lenses make it much easier to see on bright days.

Wear your sunglasses every time you go outside, even if the sun is behind clouds. This keeps your eyes safe from strong light every day.

Which Foods Keep Your Eyes Strong?

Eating healthy foods is a tasty way to help your body. Some foods can make your eyes stronger. Your eyes need certain vitamins to stay healthy and work well.

Here’s how eating different foods can help your eyes:

Dark leafy greens: Spinach and kale are full of vitamins that protect your eyes from sun damage.
Bright orange foods: Carrots and sweet potatoes have Vitamin A. This vitamin helps your eyes see in the dark.
Fresh fish: Salmon and tuna have healthy fats. These fats keep your eyes from getting too dry.

You can learn more about healthy eating in our Senior Nutrition blog.

How Can You Manage Your Screen Time?

We use screens all the time. You might read the news on a tablet or watch your favorite shows. If you look at screens too long, your eyes can get tired and dry. Staring at a screen for many minutes without a break can also make your eyes feel scratchy.

You can use the 20-20-20 rule to help your eyes. Every 20 minutes, stop looking at your screen. Look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This quick break lets your eyes rest and blink more. For more screen tips, check out this helpful guide from the American Academy of Ophthalmology on Screen Time.

Why Are Regular Eye Exams So Important?

Eye care is so important as you age. The best way to keep your eyes healthy is to visit your eye doctor every year. At your exam, the doctor will check your vision and look for any problems.

Your doctor might check for hidden problems like glaucoma or degeneration. These eye problems usually do not make your eyes hurt at first, so you might not notice them. Finding problems early is the best way to keep your eyes healthy and your vision safe.

Don’t wait until your eyes hurt or your vision gets blurry. Make an appointment with your eye doctor to stay safe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Care

How often should seniors get an eye exam?

You should visit your eye doctor once a year for a check-up. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, your doctor might ask you to come in more often to make sure your eyes stay healthy.

Are reading glasses from the drug store safe to use?

Yes, they are safe for reading. But they are not made just for your eyes. Your eye doctor can help you get glasses that are perfect for you.

What should I do if my eyes feel dry and scratchy?

Try using eye drops from the store called artificial tears. They help add moisture to your eyes and make them feel better. If your eyes still feel dry or hurt after using them, be sure to call your eye doctor for help.

Can smoking hurt my vision?

Yes, smoking is very harmful to your eyes. It makes it more likely that you will get serious eye diseases. If you quit smoking, you are helping your eyes and your whole body stay healthy.

How Can PACE Help With This?

PACE (Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is designed to support your overall health, including your vision care needs. Through PACE, participants have access to comprehensive medical services, including regular eye exams, prescription glasses, and treatments for eye conditions.

Ready to Protect Your Vision?

Your eyes help you enjoy the world. By wearing sunglasses, eating healthy foods, and giving your eyes a rest from screens, you can keep your vision sharp. Remember to see your eye doctor every year for a check-up!

It’s your life. Live it your way.

If you are a senior or caregiver looking for year-round support to live safely at home, WelbeHealth may be able to help. Our Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides medical care, social activities, and support tailored to your needs. To see if you qualify, call: (888) 750-0248 | TTY 711 or visit: welbehealth.com/contact