Are you a senior citizen dealing with tired, strained eyes from too much screen time? You're not alone! In today's digital world, it's more vital than ever for seniors to maintain healthy eyesight, especially as they age. Too much exposure to screens, whether it's your television, computer, or mobile device, can lead to eye strain and other vision-related issues.
Senior Helpers Akron-Summit will walk you through the potential risks of prolonged screen time and provide practical tips to keep your eyes healthy.
Understanding the Risks
Prolonged exposure to screens can cause a range of eye problems, a condition often referred to as digital eye strain. Symptoms of this can include blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches, and even neck and shoulder pain. In addition, seniors become more susceptible to age-related vision issues such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Combining these age-induced problems with digital eye strain can put extra pressure on seniors' eyes.
Practical Tips for Maintaining Healthy Eyesight in Seniors
So how can seniors guard their eyes against the adverse effects of extended screen time? Start with taking regular breaks. Known as the '20-20-20 rule', it suggests taking a 20-second break to view something 20 feet away every 20 minutes. This can help reduce eye strain.
Next up is adjusting the display settings on your screens. You can start by reducing the brightness to match the light level in your surroundings. Increasing the text size can also prevent unnecessary eye strain. Remember, your eyes should not have to work hard to read what's on the screen.
Proper posture also plays a crucial role. While using your computer or reading from your tablet, ensure your device is at eye level to avoid straining your neck and eyes. Also, don't forget to blink frequently to prevent dry eyes.
Eye Exercises for Seniors
Engaging in regular eye exercises can help maintain healthy eyesight in seniors and strengthen their vision. Here's one you can easily do: the 'near and far focus'. This involves focusing on a nearby object for 10-15 seconds, then on an object far away for 10-15 seconds, and then back to the near object. Do this for a couple of minutes a few times throughout the day.
Another beneficial exercise is the 'figure eight'. Imagine a giant figure eight about 10 feet in front of you. Trace the figure with your eyes, slowly. Do this one way for a few minutes, then switch direction. These simple exercises can help improve eye movement and focus.
Senior Helpers Offers Premium Senior Support Services
Seniors need to take extra measures to maintain healthy eyesight, and managing screen time is a major part of that. Making small changes like taking regular screen breaks, adjusting display settings, maintaining proper posture, and doing eye exercises can go a long way in ensuring your eyes stay healthy.
For those living in Akron, Medina, Barberton, and Summit County, remember: you're not alone in your journey to ensure better eye health. At Senior Helpers Akron-Summit, we're more than ready to provide the senior care and support you need. Contact us today to learn more about our services!