Protecting the Eyes of a Loved One

By Andy Niska | December 23, 2016 |

Elderly Care in Deer Park WA

Ophthalmologists recommend an eye exam once a year for people over the age of 65. It’s so important that the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology has developed a program called EyeCare America that provides free or low-cost eye exams to eligible seniors. The urgency of this exam is due to the number of diseases that can affect seniors and cause lasting visual impairment or blindness. These include diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma. Early detection of these diseases is the key to successful treatment.

Normal Changes in the Aging Eye

As with the rest of the body, human’s eyes undergo changes as they age. Presbyobia, the ability to see close-up such as when reading, continues to decline as people grow older. They may also find it increasingly difficult to adjust from light to dark and vice versa.

Prevention

Taking care of your loved one’s eyes involves supporting eye health as well as treating the disease that may affect their eyes. Nutrition is vital to maintaining vision. Nutrients important to healthy eyes include Vitamins A, C and E. Zinc is an important mineral that contributes to good vision. The carotenoid’s lutein and zeaxanthin offer protection to the retina, while antioxidants protect the eyes from free radicals that can potentially cause some of the diseases associated with vision loss.

Foods rich in these nutrients include yellow and orange vegetables such as peppers and carrots. Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli are great sources as well as fruits such as berries. Nine servings of fruits and vegetables are recommended every day. Those with diabetes can benefit from a low-glycemic index diet.

In addition to healthy eating, exercise plays a vital role in eye health. A study conducted in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin showed a remarkable correlation with participants that exercised and the disease known as wet age-related macular degeneration. Those that led an active life had a 70 percent less likely chance of developing this disease that leads to blindness.

In addition to diet and exercise, protecting the eyes from damaging ultraviolet light by wearing sunglasses designed for such as well as stopping smoking are essential.

Elderly Care Providers

If you find you need help providing all the dietary and exercise requirements your loved one needs, consider the aid of an elderly care provider. They can assist with the daily activities of living as well as prepare healthy meals, take daily walks with your loved one, and provide companionship and transportation to social events, exercise classes, the local senior community center and health care appointments.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Deer Park, WA, please contact the friendly staff at Love at Home Senior Care, today. Call (509) 204-4088

Resources: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/news/20061030/exercise-may-protect-eyesight

Author
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Andy Niska

Owner at Love In Home Senior Care

Andy has over 20+ years experience in the medical community and has a true compassion for seniors. With a degree in Health Care Administration, he developed a background in a variety of health care services that only comes from first hand experience. While working as a manager of a large clinic and as an account executive for medical suppliers. Andy has built valuable relationships with the medical community.

His role in Love In Home Senior Care is to educate people on what care choice is the best fit for the senior and their family while attempting to make this decision as stress-free as possible for everyone involved.

This decision making process should be smooth and stress free for everyone, including all family members and their loved ones. Having access to people with experience (like the team at Love In Home Senior Care) to assist you along the way can help this process. With an extensive background in health care, Andy has the experience needed to guide and direct your loved one to the choice that is the best fit.