Healthy Vision Month Tips for Seniors in Burlington
Around 28% of seniors experience vision impairment, making this Healthy Vision Month a timely reminder to prioritize eye health as we age.
If you are planning a retirement in the peaceful town of Burlington, it's never too early to begin thinking about eye health. Taking a proactive approach can ensure you have good eyesight for longer, allowing you to enjoy retirement in a senior living community like Addington Place of Burlington.
Here's what you need to know about caring for your eyesight.
Healthy Vision Month: Book an Eye Examination
If you don't already have an eye examination on your calendar, Healthy Vision Month is the perfect time to secure that appointment. Experts recommend that seniors undergo an eye examination at least once a year or more frequently if they experience any eye or vision problems.
Examinations help identify conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma, and early diagnosis can ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment for aging vision. If you are in a senior living community, please speak with the staff for assistance in booking an appointment.
Know How to Spot the Warning Signs of Eye Problems
Early diagnosis is crucial for eye health, as it enables you to receive the proper treatment (such as corrective lenses) for your condition, thereby reducing eye strain. Here are some of the signs that it's time to get an eye examination:
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sensitivity to light
- Seeing floaters
- Seeing flashes
- Straining your eyes to read books
- Straining your eyes when looking in the distance
Worries about eye health are understandable, but don't let that deter you from seeking help. If you need extra support, consider bringing a trusted friend or family member to your eye appointment.
Senior Eye Care and Nutrition
Did you know that some foods can actually support your eye health? Overhaul your diet and include some of the following foods:
- Citrus fruit
- Eggs
- Oily fish like salmon
- Leafy greens
- Carrots
Additionally, ensure you obtain adequate levels of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids.
As with most diet matters, the key to good health is balance. If you reside in a senior community like Addington Place of Burlington, you'll be fortunate enough to enjoy delicious, chef-prepared food that's nutritionally balanced.
Preventive Habits: Wear Sunglasses
You need to protect your eyes from UV (ultraviolet) rays, as these can damage your eyesight. The best way to do that is to wear sunglasses when outdoors, even on a cloudy day. Make it a habit, and pair those sunglasses with a wide-brimmed hat for extra protection.
Seniors are more susceptible, and damage from UV rays can contribute to eye conditions such as cataracts. Look for sunglasses that offer appropriate eye protection, as indicated by labels stating they block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Vision Wellness: Looking After Your Physical Health
A healthy body is the best way to protect your eyesight, as chronic conditions can compromise your eye health. Those conditions include diabetes and high blood pressure, which can damage the blood vessels in the retina.
Ensure you have regular health checkups, maintain a balanced diet, and participate in daily exercise, even if it's just a short walk. If you are in a senior living community like Addington Place of Burlington, make the most of the wide variety of activities on site, such as signing up for fitness classes.
Managing your health will not only ensure you feel good but also protect your eyesight in your senior years.
Choose Proper Lighting for Your Apartment
Ensure your senior living apartment has ample natural light. This will stop you from straining your eyes in dimly lit rooms. If you enjoy reading, for example, add a lamp to your favorite chair to ensure you aren't straining your eyes when you become engrossed in a novel.
Similarly, ensure places like the kitchen are well-lit for when you're preparing food, as small actions like reading a food label can put your eyesight under unnecessary pressure if you don't have ample light.
Remove Hazards from Your Apartment
One of the risks you face as you age is falling on a hard surface or sharp corner, often caused by reduced mobility or balance in your senior years.
Injuries like this can cause trauma to the eye area and leave you with a range of eye problems, so take necessary precautions. Use grab bars and non-slip flooring, and keep hallways clear of clutter.
If you have recently had a fall, it's worth getting your eyes checked by your eye consultant just to be on the safe side.
Quit Smoking
If you are a smoker, now is the time to quit. It's well-known that smoking is detrimental to your health, and in your senior years, you put yourself at risk of chronic conditions like COPD.
What's not so well-known is the link between smoking and eye health, but it is something you should consider.
Smoking can raise the risk of eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and optic nerve damage. Speak to the staff in your senior living community for wellness programs that can help you quit the habit.
Find a Trusted Eye Consultant from Burlington Health Providers
If you are living in Addington Place of Burlington, you are a mere 10 minutes from the center of this friendly town. Consult with staff to discuss their recommendations for finding a trusted eye care consultant.
Arrange this as soon as possible, including an initial eye examination, even if you are experiencing no adverse symptoms. It's better to be proactive with your eye health than to wait for issues to appear.
Healthy Vision Month: Taking a Proactive Approach to Eye Health
Use this time during Healthy Vision Month to book an eye examination. Additionally, make small, healthy changes to your routine, habits, and diet to maintain the best health for your body and eyes.
If you're considering senior living, explore our community at Addington Place of Burlington by booking a tour today. You'll find an environment that prioritizes health and wellness, featuring daily fitness activities, lush gardens, and nutritious, delicious meals.