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Piedmont Home Care News

Easy Tips for Better Eye Health

It’s a fact of life that our vision gets worse as we get older. Just as your body is less flexible and you can’t reach down to touch your toes like you could when you were 10 years old, the muscles around your eye get more rigid with age, making it harder to focus or make quick adjustments when going from light to dark rooms.

One of the most common vision problems facing senior citizens is presbyopia. This is a term for the farsightedness that occurs with age, and in fact the word is Greek for “old eye.” When you find yourself holding reading material out further to be able to focus, or not being able to thread a needle without your magnifying glass, you’re probably experiencing the effects of presbyopia. In addition to presbyopia, other eye issues that become more prevalent with age are cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.

The best way to stay on top of your vision is to make sure to see your eye doctor every year. Even if you don’t wear glasses or contacts, it’s important to have an eye exam. Regular exams can help with early detection and treatment of issues.

There are also ways to help reduce the risk of disease such as age-related macular degeneration and avoid undue eye strain.

Eat Foods Rich in Vitamin C and Antioxidants. Your mom probably told you to eat your carrots so you could see in the dark. This old wives’ tale had some merit to it. The antioxidants in brightly colored fruits and vegetables are good for your health for a multitude of reasons. Fill your plate with sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, broccoli, kiwi fruit, strawberries and red bell peppers, among others, for a boost of Vitamin C and antioxidants.

Wear Sunglasses. Those snazzy shades aren’t just for the cool kids. The sun can cause damage to your eyes just like it does your skin, so be sure to wear sunglasses with UV protection when outside or while driving. While you’re at it, make sure you also wear your prescription glasses or contacts to prevent undue strain on your eyes.

Keep Rooms Well Lit. Not only will a little light help keep you from falling by illuminating potential hazards, it also helps protect your eyes by keeping them from having to work so hard to read or even walk around the house.

Get Your Exercise. Walk, do chair yoga, go to tai chi class — whatever you enjoy, those activities that keep your blood flowing are good for your eyes as well as your heart and lungs.

Good eye health is important for many reasons, and mobility is one of the biggest. If you or someone you love is having a hard time adjusting to driving at night, or even feels hesitant driving during the day, our caregivers are here to help. Our services include transportation to doctor appointments, to help keep you healthy and independent. Call our offices today for more information on how we can help you