Lisa Conway – FLORIDA TODAY
Q: Any tips for senior eye health?
A: Maintaining good eye health as you age is essential for preserving your vision. Your timing is perfect: August is National Eye Exam Month, so I’ll start my “Top 10” recommendations with that.
- Regular Eye Exams
Schedule comprehensive eye exams at least every two years. Exams can detect early signs of eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which often have NO initial symptoms.
- Healthy Diet
Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly those with vitamins C and E, zinc and beta-carotene. Your mother was right about carrots! Spinach, kale and citrus are also good for eye health.
- Stay Hydrated
Hydration is super important for maintaining eye moisture. In addition to drinking water, add more fruits, vegetables (and soups) to your diet. Dehydration can lead to dry eyes and discomfort.
- Protective Eyewear
Outside, wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) rays to reduce the risk of cataracts and AMD. Trimming that thorny bougainvillea? Safety glasses will reduce the chance of eye injury.
- Quit Smoking
Please stop. Smoking increases the risk of developing age-related eye diseases. Smokers are twice as likely to develop AMD — and three times more likely to develop cataracts.
- Manage Chronic Conditions
Keep your diabetes and hypertension in check. These conditions can lead to diabetic retinopathy, which the National Eye Institute warns can cause blindness.
- Digital Do’s
Take breaks when using digital devices. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds (20-20-20). Adjust your lighting to reduce screen glare and blink regularly to prevent dry eyes.
- Eye Exercise
Exercise the eyes to improve focus and reduce eye strain. Try a temple massage, rolling your eyes, and looking off into the distance. Do this in an appropriate setting, though. I got sent to the principal’s office for doing these eye exercises in fifth grade!
- Stay Active
Surprise, surprise: Regular physical activity improves blood circulation/flow –including to the retina and optic nerve. It also strengthens eye muscles and helps with focus.
- Know Your Family History
Ask about your Aunt Helen, as genetics have a role to play in eye diseases. Inform the doctor of any issues that may require closer monitoring.
That’s my Top 10 for preserving eye health as you age! Don’t forget: National Eye Exam month is the perfect time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Got a question for the Experts in Aging? Visit OneSeniorPlace.com or call 321-751-6771 in Viera.
One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Questions for this column are answered by professionals in nursing, social work, care management and in-home care. Send questions to askOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging. Lisa Conway is a Registered Nurse, Certified Dementia Practitioner and a Certified Care Manager for Senior Partner Care Services, Viera. Ms. Conway hosts a monthly seminar, ‘Senior Health Friday with Nurse Lisa.’
