The risk of vision loss increases with age. In fact, blindness and low vision in the United States are majorly caused by age-related diseases, such as macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. If you want to better your quality of age during your golden years, it is important that you protect your eyes.
New Horizons Home Healthcare, a Health Care Provider in Marion, Indiana, lays down some eye care tips to achieve healthy eyesight for elders.
- Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. A number of studies indicate that lutein (acting as antioxidants) can reduce the risk of developing cataracts. Moreover, there are also studies suggesting that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration. Make sure to include these eye nutrients in your diet. Most green leafy vegetables contain lutein. On the other hand, the best source for omega-3 is salmon.
- Protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays. Too much exposure to UV rays increases the likelihood of eye diseases. Always wear sunglasses when you go outdoors during the day. The same holds true even if the weather is cloudy. Pick the right pair that is designed to block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.
- Leave your smoker persona behind. Researchers have proven the dangers of smoking, which include damaging your eyes. They posit that smokers are more likely to get age-related eye problems compared to non-smokers.
- Get your body moving. Overweight or obesity boosts your chances of getting diabetes. This can lead to vision loss. A 30-minute exercise a day is enough to help you maintain a healthy weight.
- Take a break. Eyes are one of the most used parts of your body. And just like your body, they also experience fatigue. They deserve to take a break too! Try the 20-20 rule in order to lessen eyestrain. Every 20 minutes, try looking away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.
- Have a physical examination regularly. Your eyes are an integral part of your body. They depend on all of the other parts of your body in order for them to stay healthy and function well. If you have poor blood circulation or if your heart does not work properly, the supply of blood will not get to your eyes. This means that the essential nutrients cannot reach to your eyes. Furthermore, physical diseases, (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.) can lead to blindness if left untreated.
- Watch out for early warning signs of a possible eye disease. If you experience a sudden loss of vision or double vision, see flashes of light or large numbers of spots in your eyes, or encounter pain in or around your eyes, have your eyes examined pronto.
Are you looking for a reliable Indiana-based Care Provider? Give New Horizons Home Healthcare a thought! We love our clients as much as they love us. For inquiries, please give us a ring at 765-662-9751.