Maintaining your health and wellbeing is essential to a long and happy life. As you age, staying on top of your changing health is even more important to your quality of life. This is especially true of delicate systems that are more subject to change with the passing of time, and the eyes are a perfect example.
If you’re in or approaching your golden years, proper eye care is crucial. That doesn’t mean it has to be complicated or daunting, however. With a few simple eye care tips for seniors, you can ensure that your vision and eye health stay in the best shape possible.
To help you on your way to healthy, happy eyes, we’ve compiled a handful of the best eye care tips for seniors below. Check them out!
Prioritize Sleep
It’s amazing what a good night’s sleep can do. Not only can it transform your mood, give you the energy you need to face the day with bravado, and help you recover from pesky illnesses, but it can also benefit your eyes tremendously.
As you sleep, your body performs natural maintenance. Eye irritants such as allergens and dust are expelled, alleviating any discomfort and reducing the risk of prolonged pain or damage. Additionally, sleep allows the eyes to enjoy continuous lubrication—an essential element of eye health.
To facilitate good sleep, be aware of exposure to UV light. While some natural light is necessary for healthy sleep-wake cycles, over-exposure can lead to insomnia. The resultant poor sleep can snowball into more consequential health concerns.
Exercise for Your Eyes
It’s well-known that exercise benefits your body in a myriad of ways. While the bodily effects are perhaps more obvious than those on the eyes, the reality is that exercise contributes significantly to better eye health.
Physical activity increases circulation and oxygen levels, both of which are fantastic for your eyes. Regular exercise also aids in weight management, and a healthy weight reduces the risk of conditions like diabetes, which can lead to eye problems and vision loss.
Prevent Injuries
One of the largest blows to eye health, regardless of age, is injury. Often, people think of eye injuries occurring during physical activity, such as participating in sports or doing yard work. Make no mistake, it is important to take the necessary precautions—like eye protection—to avoid injury in those scenarios, but many eye injuries actually occur in normal, daily life.
This is especially true as we age. Hazard like askew rugs, slippery bathmats, loose stair railings, sharp furniture corners, and poor lighting can all lead to accidents and eye injuries. Take the time to address these possible hazards before they become a problem. The effort will be well worth the long-term eye health.
Have Regular Eye Exams
Eye health can change rapidly as we age, making regular eye exams a vital part of staying healthy as a senior. Even if your eyes feel fine and seem to be functioning properly, make regular eye appointments and stick to them.
Your doctor will be able to ascertain the true health of your eyes, and early detection of potential problems is key to preventing them from progressing and more serious conditions from developing. Eye exams can also catch other health conditions such as high blood pressure, making them advantageous as a comprehensive health evaluation.
Care for your eyes as you age, and they will take care of you. Even if your vision seems to be unchanged, it is important to work with your eye doctor to make sure there are no underlying issues and your eye health remains top-notch as the years pass. Be sure to speak to your doctor if you have any concerns or questions regarding your eye health and how you should maintain it going forward.
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