Tips for Vision Health

As we age, it is normal to experience some changes in vision. Seniors can have difficulty adjusting to glare, and distinguishing some colors, particularly shades of blue and green. Some common vision complications require glasses or contacts to see clearly. For complete overall health, it is vital to protect the eyes. There are many ways to help prevent eye injury and disease. Proper eye protection, nutrition, and regular eye exams can help.

Always protect your eyes. To avoid the risk of eye infection, always keep hands and contact lenses clean. Promptly replace contact lenses when appropriate. Shield and protect eyes with sunglasses and protective eyewear.  Sun exposure is associated with the development of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Regularly wearing sunglasses can help protect the eyes from harmful UV radiation. To help shield eyes from a variety of hazards, wear protective eyewear such as goggles, safety glasses, shields, and eye guards when participating in sports or activities around the house.

For proper eye nutrition, choose foods with high levels of vitamin A and C. Many foods including leafy greens and fish provide essential antioxidants to promote eye health. Foods that contain essential omega-3 fatty acids are important to the health of the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision. Remember, the body does not naturally produce essential fatty acids. If diet does not provide enough nutrition, discuss multi-vitamins and supplements with your physician. 

Know your eye care professional! An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (M.D.) who specializes in eye and vision care. An optometrist is a health care professional for the eye, but not an M.D. Both professionals are qualified to perform eye exams. Seniors age 65 or older should have an ocular examination from an ophthalmologist every one to two years at a minimum, even without any existing risk factors. 

Always promptly see the eye doctor if you experience any eye pain, changes in vision, see spots or flashes of light, or suffer from chronically dry or irritated eyes.

If you experience any of the following symptoms of a serious eye injury call your eye doctor  immediately or go to the nearest Urgent Care Center or Emergency Room.

:

·         Obvious pain or vision problems

·         Cut or torn eyelid

·         One eye that does not move as completely as the other

·         One eye that protrudes more than the other

·         Abnormal pupil size or shape

·         Blood in the white of the eye

·         Something imbedded in the eye

·         Something under the eyelid that cannot be easily removed

MediNurse can assist in monitoring vision. MediNurse, St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing care, provides care services that are customized to the individual needs of the client or patient and loved ones to ensure the best care possible.  For more information, call us at 314-781-2800 or visit www.medinurse.com.