Eye Health for the Elderly
A recent article in the New York Times, Computer Vision Syndrome Affects Millions, highlights current concerns about eyesight and computer use. As if we didn’t have enough things to help the degeneration of our physical health, now we can add computers to the list.
Though we should all consider our eye health regularly, it’s particularly important as you age. According to the National Institute of Aging, individuals over age 65 should have yearly dilated eye exams. If you wear glasses, your prescription should be checked, too. See your doctor regularly to check for diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. These diseases can cause eye problems if not controlled or treated.
See an eye care professional right away if you:
Suddenly cannot see or everything looks blurry
See flashes of light
Have eye pain
Experience double vision
Have redness or swelling of your eye or eyelid
How to Protect Your Eyes
Protect your eyes from too much sunlight by wearing sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) radiation and a hat with a wide brim when you are outside and be aware of possible low vision. Low vision means you cannot fix your eyesight with glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery. Low vision affects some people as they age.
You may have low vision if you:
Can’t see well enough to do everyday tasks like reading, cooking, or sewing
Have difficulty recognizing the faces of your friends or family
Have trouble reading street signs
Find that lights don’t seem as bright
Special tools can help people with low vision to read, write, and manage daily tasks. These tools include large-print reading materials, magnifying aids, closed-circuit televisions, audio tapes, electronic reading machines, and computers with large print and a talking function.
Other things that may help:
Change the type of lighting in your room.
Write with bold, black felt-tip markers.
Use paper with bold lines to help you write in a straight line.
Put colored tape on the edge of your steps to help you see them and prevent you from falling.
Install dark-colored light switches and electrical outlets that you can see easily against light-colored walls.
Use motion lights that turn on when you enter a room. These may help you avoid accidents caused by poor lighting.
Use telephones, clocks, and watches with large numbers; put large-print labels on the microwave and stove.
Concerns about or changes in your eyesight and vision should always be addressed with a doctor or eye care professional. Being aware of changes in your vision can help you stay on top of any condition that may develop.
Broad Street Can Help
Our Personal Assistants can help you stay aware of small changes in your physical well-being over time. Through our Professional Network we can provide doctors and other eye care professionals for regular exams. For more information, please call 847.728.0134.
Source:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/aging-and-your-eyes