Though some changes in vision are common with age, your elderly loved one can still maintain good eye health well into the golden years. Here are some strategies for maintaining healthy eyesight.
Wear High-Quality Sunglasses
The sun’s ultraviolet rays not only affect the skin, but they can also take a toll on the eyes. Encourage your loved one to invest in wraparound sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of ultraviolet rays. Your loved one can also wear a wide-brimmed hat for even more protection. It’s important to remember ultraviolet rays can even cause damage to the eyes on cloudy days.
Aging adults with impaired vision often need assistance to live at home safely and comfortably. 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 at-home care Rocklin 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.
Eat Healthy
Encourage your loved one to eat a diet high in antioxidants and vitamins A, E, and C. This includes eating green leafy vegetables and fatty fish like salmon, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These foods protect the macula, the part of the eye that provides detailed central vision.
Some 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.
Take Supplements
Various health conditions and poor eating habits can prevent seniors from getting enough nutrients in their diets. Talk to your loved one’s doctor about adding a dietary supplement. Several over-the-counter formulas containing omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and vitamins C and E are specifically aimed at eye health.
Prevent Eye Strain
The eyes need a break every now and then. Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night allows time for the eyes to rest, recover, and repair. It’s also important for your loved one to rest his or her eyes about 10 minutes out of every hour spent reading, working on a computer, or doing crafts or other activities that require the eyes to focus at a close distance. During the short break, get your loved one to focus on an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Quit Smoking
Though this may seem obvious, it bears repeating. Cigarettes can damage more than just the lungs and heart. Smoking subjects the eyes to a great deal of oxidative stress, increasing the likelihood of optic nerve damage, macular degeneration, and cataracts.
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. Rocklin 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. Trust Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate professional care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (916) 226-3737.