The Importance of Eye Health in Aging: Protect Vision

As we age, our eyes are at a higher risk of developing different conditions. The National Eye Institute states that by age 60, the risk of eye disorders increases significantly. Not only age, but conditions like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and heart diseases, which occur in old age, can also lead to various eye-related conditions. In this article, we’ll talk about common age-related eye conditions, their causes, and ways to prevent them. We’ll also explain how Radiant Health’s home care services can help you and your loved ones maintain good eye health.

Common Age-Related Eye Conditions

The risk of developing age-related eye conditions increases with age. These conditions can significantly impact our daily lives and even lead to blindness. Therefore, it is important to understand these conditions and take steps to prevent or manage them to keep our eyes healthy.

• Glaucoma: is a disease that affects the eye’s optic nerve, causing progressive vision loss. It’s often related to diabetes, which increases the risk of developing glaucoma.
• Cataract: This is when the lens in the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurred vision. It can affect one or both eyes. Symptoms include double vision and trouble seeing at night. Cataracts need to be removed through surgery.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: This is a degeneration of the retina caused by diabetes. It leads to vision loss and damage to the retina.
• Presbyopia: This is when the eyes have trouble focusing on close objects. It can make daily tasks difficult and cause headaches.
• Decreased Peripheral Vision: The peripheral vision of one or both eyes may decrease by 20 to 30 percent.

Preventing Age-Related Eye Conditions

Age-related eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration can greatly affect an individual’s vision and daily life. These conditions are caused by a combination of factors such as genetics, UV exposure, and poor nutrition. Nevertheless, prevention is key, and there are steps we can take to reduce the risk of developing these conditions.

• Get regular checkups for blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol. These conditions can affect the eyes negatively.
• Get an annual eye exam with an ophthalmologist to detect any eye conditions early.
• Wear prescription glasses to relieve eye strain and prevent accidents.
• Wear protective glasses or sunglasses to shield the eyes from harmful sun rays.
• Quit smoking, as it can harm the eyes.
• Incorporate vitamins and supplements that can prevent eye damage, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D.

Maintaining Good Eye Health in Aging: Let Radiant Health Services Support You and Your Loved Ones

We must take steps to maintain good eye health as we age. By understanding common eye conditions and taking preventative measures, we can keep our eyes healthy and vision clear. Understanding common eye conditions and taking preventative measures can keep our eyes healthy and vision clear. At Radiant Health Services our team understands the importance of providing the best care possible. Our caregivers support you and your loved ones in maintaining good eye health through exceptional companion care, personal care, or medication management program. Our services can include: regular blood pressure checks, blood glucose monitoring, and medication reminders to ensure that you can maintain your health at home.

Sources:

• “Age-Related Eye Disease Study” National Eye Institute. https://www.nei.nih.gov/areds2
• “Co-Morbidities and Age-Related Eye Diseases” Journal of Gerontological Nursing, Vol. 44, No. 5, 2018, pp. 33-39. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6048234/
• “Vitamins and Supplements for Eye Health” American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/vitamins-supplements-eye-health
• “Smoking and Eye Health” American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/smoking-eye-health