After many people reach 40, they find that they start to need reading glasses. Your eyes may become more tired after a long day looking at the computer or you have trouble reading a menu in a restaurant that is dimly lit. However, when is a vision problem considered serious? And when does it cross a line to posing as a real health concern that threatens your independence? Read on to learn about the importance of senior eye health in your later years!
The Impact of Vision Loss
These are some of the ways in which poor vision affect your independence and safety while you are living at home:
- Poor vision may impair your ability to read the printed labels on their medications which could lead to taking too much or too little medication or even a potential drug interaction.
- Poor vision can leave you unable to drive and feeling isolated at home.
- You might not be able to read a book, watch television, or participate in a hobby, leaving them feeling depressed or bored.
- You may not be able to recognize a friendly face or a stranger at their door, so you feel vulnerable and anxious.
- Vision loss may lead you to feel unsafe in your home.
- Simple tasks may become more difficult for you, such as writing a check to pay the bills, counting change at the supermarket, or dialing numbers on the telephone.
- You may skip meals, start to lose weight or make unhealthy food choices as shopping, cooking, and food prep becomes more difficult to do.
- Vision loss can impact you emotionally as well as you might feel that this is a sign of aging and frailty.
Tips For Taking Care Of Your Eyes
How can you help prevent vision issues? Here are seven helpful tips to keep your eyes healthy:
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits
- Protect your eyes from the sunlight by wearing UV protective sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim to shade your eyes.
- Don’t smoke
- Stay physically active and keep a healthy weight
- If you have diabetes, manage your health
- Control your blood pressure
- If you are working on a computer, look away every 20 minutes and refocus your gaze to prevent eye strain
If you need an eye doctor, you can ask for a referral from your primary care doctor. You can search online for resources and suggestions on how to take care of your eyes. Your eye health will impact your independence and quality of life greatly, so do take care of your eye health well.
Experience Independent Living at Morada Deer Park
Morada Deer Park is the retirement community for individuals who love the small-town and familiar way of life in Texas. We have created a warm and accepting setting that is perfect for people to socialize, dine and relax. Enjoy freedom and independence while receiving the assistance that you need here in our community. Please contact our independent living community today!
