Healthy Vision Tips for Older Adults

The gift of sight should not be taken for granted at any age. While vision problems don’t have to accompany aging, lifestyle habits and medical conditions, if not controlled, can cause or contribute to impaired vision in seniors.

Eye Diseases in Older Adults

Obesity, smoking, unprotected sun exposure, high blood pressure, and diabetes are some of the mitigating factors when it comes to common eye diseases for which older adults are at greater risk, including glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

Pressure in the eye can damage the optic nerve in the back of the eye, causing glaucoma. It causes loss of peripheral (side) vision and can lead to blindness if left untreated with drops, lasers, or surgery.

Cataracts are cloudy areas in the eye’s lens that can blur vision. They can grow without surgical treatment.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects central vision, making objects right in front of a person appear blurry. This makes driving, reading, and performing daily tasks difficult. AMD is the most common cause of vision loss in older adults, but it can be treated with supplements, injections, or laser treatment.

Other age-related eye diseases include diabetic retinopathy and dry eye disease. Diabetic retinopathy affects people with uncontrolled diabetes and typically develops slowly with no warning signs. It can cause blurry vision, floaters, and blindness, but it can be treated with laser surgery. Dry eye disease occurs when the tear glands malfunction, and the eyes may sting, burn, or feel like they have sand in them. This condition is most common in older women, and treatment includes over-the-counter solutions, prescription medication, and surgical procedures.

Other vision issues associated with age-related eye changes are manageable with glasses, contact lenses, or prescription medications. These issues include difficulty differentiating colors, adjusting to different light levels, floaters, and eye fatigue.

Vision Loss and Senior Well-Being: Prevention and Maintenance

Loss of vision to any degree, but particularly severe vision loss, can hinder daily life activities for seniors. Losing even a portion of vision increases the risk of:

• Mobility issues and injuries due to falls or running into objects.
• Depression and anxiety.
• Cognitive decline.
• Reduced life expectancy.

Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to eyesight. This starts with regular eye exams. The older one gets, experts say, the more frequent those exams need to be. Yearly exams are recommended for anyone age 65 and over. For people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of glaucoma or vision loss, the National Eye Institute recommends getting dilated eye exams even more often.

Catching vision problems early makes corrective measures much more possible and effective. Making healthy lifestyle choices is a big part of prevention, too. Following a regular exercise routine, maintaining a healthy weight, managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, and wearing protective sunglasses can reduce the risk of developing vision problems or minimize their severity.

Eye changes naturally occur as a person ages. Aging in and of itself is not a determinant of eye disease. Seniors and their family caregivers should keep an eye out for sudden vision changes and not delay getting medical attention for symptoms such as:

• Inability to see.
• Double or tunnel vision.
• Eye pain.
• Blurriness.
• Flashes of light.
• Redness or swelling of the eye or eyelid.

Sudden and dramatic vision loss or other eye ailments may be caused by a preexisting condition the senior is already being treated for or may indicate a new medical condition that requires diagnosis and attention. Either way, when vision and eye health become compromised, the senior should start with their primary care physician to get checked out. The physician may have the senior see an optometrist (primary eye care) or ophthalmologist (surgically treats eye disease) for a more in-depth evaluation.

A family caregiver can encourage their aging loved one to take care of their eyes and schedule exams. Caregivers can go a step further and follow through with reminders, and even provide transportation to appointments. They can also help detect any struggles their loved one may have due to vision loss and report them to the health care team. Finally, family caregivers can proactively assess their loved one’s living environment and take steps to enhance their well-being if they are experiencing vision loss.

The Role of Nutrition in Senior Vision Health

Diet can be a difference maker in vision as well. The adage that carrots are good for the eyes happens to be true. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a pigment that the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy eyes, particularly the retina, which is responsible for vision. But many other foods promote vision health, too. Choosing an eating plan that includes foods rich in certain nutrients can help.

• Vitamin A: Found in carrots, sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, and spinach
• Vitamin C: Found in fruits and vegetables, including broccoli, oranges, strawberries, and tomatoes
• Vitamin E: Found in healthy fats such as almonds, olive oil, and avocados
• Zinc: Found in beans, eggs, dairy, meat, and seafood
• Lutein and zeaxanthin: Found in leafy green vegetables, broccoli, and colorful fruits such as raspberries and mangoes
• Omega-3 fatty acids‌: Found in fish such as anchovies, salmon, and sardines

The Eyes Are the Window to the Soul

Keeping eyesight clear and sharp comes down to, like so many health matters, how well we take care of ourselves. Just like other parts of the body need nourishment, protection, and treatment as we age, so do the eyes. We only get one pair of them in a lifetime, and they are our picture window to the world. If an older person is neglecting their eye care, a family caregiver can advocate for them and gently remind them of all the things they may miss if their eyes go bad. Caregivers can also let seniors know that there’s just no good reason to ignore eye health since many problems are correctable. Eye exams are the essential starting point for optimal eye health.

How Right at Home Can Help

Right at Home’s caregivers can help older adults with low vision or vision loss maintain their independence by assisting with everyday living activities. Our wide range of services can be provided wherever home may be, from a few hours a couple of days a week up to 24/7 care. Download our FREE Fall Prevention Guide to get a home safety checklist to help identify areas of the home that need attention to keep your loved one safe. For more information, use our office locator to talk to an aging expert near you.

Interested in receiving ongoing information, tips, and advice about the aging journey? Subscribe to our monthly Caring Right at Home e-newsletter today.