The Importance of Healthy Eyes for Seniors and In Home Care
As we age, it is common to experience a decline in vision, especially as seniors. Since aging increases the risk of vision loss, it is especially important to schedule regular eye exams and check-ups to prevent sight-threatening complications that can be prevented.
Healthy eyes are crucial to the overall wellbeing of our senior loved ones. Poor eyesight can lead to depression and cause anxiety from a fear of falling. Always worrying about tripping or falling will lead to awkward walking and loss of balance. The importance of healthy eyes for seniors is not just about vision, it’s about a positive outlook on life which will lead to living longer independently at home.
There are many ways to prevent further vision loss than what is typical of aging. Remind your senior loved one to always protect their eyes from the sun and UV radiation. Use of sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat when outdoors are helpful for blocking those harmful rays.
Eat well whenever possible. Choose leafy greens, low fat foods, and minimally processed meals. Eating enough fruits and vegetables will benefit the body as well as the eyes by protecting against age-related conditions such as macular degeneration.
Getting outdoors for regular exercise promotes blood flow and circulation, which is helpful in preventing weight gain as well as illnesses such as diabetes. Diabetes complications can increase the risk of sight loss. Regular exercise and good nutrition are beneficial for not only the body, but also the eyes. Another way to avoid poor health and possible vision loss is to reduce sugar intake. Diets high in sugar can lead to eye conditions such as cataracts, which is the inability for the eye to clear its lens.
The importance of healthy eyes for seniors is not just about vision. It is common for eye sight to decrease as we get older. A regular eye test is not only good for eyesight checks, it is also helpful in detecting eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts. Vision checks are also helpful in detecting other health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
For further information on eye health, blindness and low vision services, contact Senior Helpers of Santa Barbara, Goleta, Lompoc, Santa Ynez, and Carpinteria, California. If you would like to learn more about the many benefits of caring and consistent in home senior care and professional dementia and Alzheimer’s care, call Senior Helpers to speak to an elderly care specialist today 805-687-7777! Senior Helpers of Santa Barbara provides a wide range of services including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, companionship, personal assistance, and so much more to all areas of Santa Barbara, Goleta, Lompoc, Santa Ynez, and Carpinteria, California.