7 Eye Health Tips for Seniors
Aging is a natural process that comes with some changes over time. As our bodies age, it’s inevitable that after years of hard work, our eyesight may begin to falter a bit. Luckily, there are certain things you can do to help keep your eyes healthy. In honor of Cataract Awareness Month, we’ve put together some helpful tips regarding eye health for seniors. Sharp vision is key to maintaining and enjoying an active retirement lifestyle!
1. Wear Your Prescription Glasses
Even with healthy eyes, it’s very common to need glasses for near or farsightedness as one gets older. If you have prescription eyewear or contacts, be sure you are always wearing them, both inside and outdoors. Wearing glasses with your unique prescription eases the strain on eyes so they don’t need to work as hard to focus, which can lead to vision problems over time.
If you find your vision is blurry even with your prescription eyewear, you may need to get your eyes checked for a stronger prescription. This brings us to our next tip…
2. Schedule Regular Eye Exams
One of the most effective ways to stay on top of eye health for seniors is by scheduling regular eye exams with an optometrist. They will be able to keep you up to date on your prescription and detect any potential eye problems related to aging.
3. Eat Healthy Foods
There are plenty of delicious, healthy whole foods that can actually help improve your vision! Strawberries, bell peppers, papayas and oranges are rich in Vitamin C, while sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, kale and broccoli are packed full of nutrients like antioxidants, lutein and beta-carotene. Working these foods into your diet can help prolong your eye health!
4. Protect Eyes From the Sun
It’s no secret that direct sunlight can cause damage to your eyes, and that is especially true as we age and our eyes become more delicate. Always be sure to bring a pair of sunglasses with you to help protect your eyes from the sun – even better if they are prescription sunglasses!
5. Support Your Eyes Indoors
You’ve got outdoor eye protection by way of sunglasses, but what about indoors? In this day and age, people are spending more time than ever looking at screens – TVs, tablets, mobile phones, and computers all cause strain on our eyes. If you plan to imbibe in any screen time, try to keep your space well-lit to make it easier on your eyes and help them focus.
6. Get Plenty of Exercise
Though it may seem like a stretch, exercise boosts blood circulation throughout your body – including your eyes – which can improve your vision! Regular exercise like walking, jogging, stretching, and yoga are all gentle ways to get your blood pumping. Just don’t forget your sunglasses if you’re exercising outdoors!
7. Prioritize a Good Night’s Sleep
Quality sleep provides countless benefits, but did you know that as we rest, our eyes naturally clean out irritants such as allergens or dust? The consistent lubrication from having our eyes closed rejuvenates them and keeps them healthy. The more sleep we get, the more our eyes benefit – yet another reason to get a good night’s rest!
Cumberland Crossing by OceanView
Cumberland Crossing by OceanView is an active retirement community located in beautiful Cumberland, Maine. We offer two spacious, customizable cottage floor plans and an inclusive monthly maintenance that allows you to spend your hard-earned retirement years doing what you love.
To learn more about our community at Cumberland Crossing, please contact us today!
