Our vision changes as we get older. We often lose the ability to see up close, have trouble distinguishing colors, and need more time to adjust to changing light levels. The risk for some eye diseases also increases over time. The good news is, there are things we can do to keep our eyes healthy as we age.
Healthy Vision Habits
There are some key lifestyle changes we can make to improve our eye health.
See an Eye Doctor
Get your vision checked regularly by an eye care professional. Detecting eye disease early makes it easier to treat problems that can impact your vision.
Get a Dilated Eye Exam
This is the best way to protect your future vision. It’s a good idea to get one every year or so after age 50.
Have Your Vision Checked
Make sure your prescription is updated regularly if you wear eyeglasses or contacts. Even small changes in sight can increase the risk for falls and injuries.
Healthy Vision Tips
Aside from regular eye exams, there are things you can do daily to help keep your eyes in tip-top shape.
- Wear sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection
- Quit smoking
- Hydrate and eat a healthy diet
- Manage diabetes
- Take frequent breaks from your computer to prevent eye strain
- Improve lighting
Common Eye Diseases
As we age, so too does our vision. Here are some common problems to watch out for.
Age-related Macular Degeneration
AMD affects the central part of the retina, leading to loss of central vision. It can make tasks like driving, reading, and recognizing faces difficult.
Cataracts
These are cloudy areas in the eye’s lens that cause blurred or dim vision. This condition is common in older adults and can develop gradually. If caught early, cataract surgery is a safe and effective treatment.
Glaucoma
This is usually caused by excessive intraocular pressure. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss or blindness if it’s not treated.
Dry Eye
This happens when the tear glands don’t work properly. It can cause dry, itchy, and irritated eyes. Dry eye is common as we age, especially for women.
Why Seniors Need to be Proactive
Eye exams become more important as we get older. Here are some reasons why seniors need regular vision check-ups.
- Eye exams are crucial to preserving our vision as we age.
- Some eye diseases begin without symptoms. They can be treated if caught early.
- Loss of contrast sensitivity can complicate daily activities.
- Senior eyes often have trouble adjusting to changing light conditions.
- Night driving is more difficult as our eyes adjust to low light more slowly. Driving in the rain after dark makes it worse.
Need Coverage? We Can Help
Conference Associates, Inc. is one of New York’s first and largest group insurance administrators. Since 1961, our company has been providing business owners and individuals with insurance solutions. CIA offers coverage for health, life, dental, vision, long-term care, and more. Contact us for more information.
