The natural process of ageing brings with it a lot of changes, including alterations in our vision. These changes, which become more pronounced as we grow older, can have a profound effect on our daily lives. They present us with visual challenges that can hinder our ability to see clearly and impact our overall quality of life. Age-related conditions such as presbyopia, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration can begin to affect our vision, making it increasingly difficult to see the world around us. By practicing good eye care habits and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we can slow down the ageing of our eyes and preserve our vision for many years to come.
In this comprehensive blog, we will explore the relationship between eye health and ageing and learn the essential tips to maintain clean vision.
A] Understanding Age-Related Eye Changes
Middle-aged or early to mid-40 adults start to experience changes in their vision ability. These changes affect their near and far vision ability due to reduced lens flexibility. They experience trouble with colour distinction or need time to adjust the light level to focus efficiently. As they grow older, they familiarise themselves with some common age-related diseases like presbyopia, glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.
At this age, the eyes produce fewer tears, affecting the eye’s natural cleansing process and causing dry eyes. Lenses begin to decrease their ability to bend and focus, making it harder to see clearly. It all happens as our body starts to lose collagen, the most abundant protein in our body.
B] Age-Related Eye Diseases and Conditions
Several eye diseases become more prevalent as we age. These diseases may have few or no symptoms in their early stages. It is essential to visit your eye specialist regularly to mitigate any potential damage to your eyes, especially as you age.
The following are the common eye problems in the elderly:
1. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD is an age-related retinal condition that causes central vision loss. It affects the central parts of the retina, called the macula and makes it difficult to see the objects directly in front of you. AMD typically occurs after the age of 50 and, may cause vision loss, if not detected early. While there is no cure for AMD, treatments are available to prevent or slow down its progression.
2. Cataracts
A cataract is an eye condition caused by the clouding of the natural intraocular crystalline lens and may cause distance vision impairment or blindness if left untreated. Cataracts are the most common signs of ageing eyes which change the eye’s lens tissue and form a cloudy structure over the natural lens. However, Patients with cataracts can opt for cataract surgery, a highly successful and reliable invasive surgical procedure that effectively removes cataracts from the eye.
3. Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs when excess fluid pressure builds inside the eye and causes damage to the optic nerves. Glaucoma can occur in any age group, however, aged people are more prone to developing glaucoma. Prescribed eye drops are the most suitable treatment as they lower the fluid pressure and prevent optic nerves from being damaged.
4. Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are the most common eye condition in the elderly where tear glands don’t work properly and as a result reduce tear production. Stinging and burning sensations are the most common signs of dry eyes and can be treated using artificial tears throughout the day. Many lubricants are available, and the right one needs to be recommended for your specific problem.
C] Exploring The Eye Care Tips For Senior Citizens
1. Healthy Diet And Nutrition
Several studies demonstrate the effectiveness of a healthy diet and nutrition with regards to eye health. Vitamin A, C & E, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, beta-carotene and lutein food sources are highly suitable for protecting eyes from age-related diseases.
- Vitamin A is essential for low-light vision and can be found in carrots, sweet potatoes and leafy greens.
- Vitamin C reduces the risk of cataracts and AMD and is found in citrus fruits, peppers, and broccoli.
- Vitamin E protects your eyes from free radicals and is present in nuts and seeds.
- Omega-3 fatty acids protect the retina and are found in fish and flaxseeds.
It’s recommended that you should always include these foods in their daily diet to prevent any early signs of ageing eyes.
2. Protective Eyewear
Protecting your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is the most vital tip for clear vision. Prolonged exposure to UV rays may cause cataracts and AMD. Extreme UV exposure can develop photokeratitis, a painful eye condition caused by direct sun exposure. The common symptoms of photokeratitis are welder’s flash, snow blindness, decreased vision and tearing.
It is recommended to wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays. Doing so blocks the UV rays and protects your eyes from direct exposure. Sunglasses also protect your under-eye-sensitive skin and prevent wrinkles and cancer. However, always wear sunglasses that suit your eyes to mitigate potential damage. Or, you can consult your doctor and ask for suitable sunglasses.
3. Managing Chronic Health Conditions
Chronic health conditions like diabetes and hypertension significantly impact one’s eye health. Diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy while hypertension can cause hypertensive retinopathy. These eye diseases significantly damage the retina’s blood vessels and may lead to vision loss.
Regular check-ups and managing these conditions through a healthy diet, exercise and prescribed medicines are essential eye care treatment and tips for seniors. Seniors should regularly check their blood sugar and blood pressure levels to prevent described eye problems. Also, regularly consult your doctor and undergo eye tests to mitigate forthcoming vision impairment.
4. Eye Exercises and Relaxation Techniques
Studies show the positive impact of regular eye exercises and relaxation techniques on eye health. It reduces eye strains, improves focus and enhances overall eye health. Simple exercises called the 20-20-20 rule, where you look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
Another gentle exercise is palming. It is done by rubbing your hands together for a few minutes to generate warmth. Now, place them over your closed eyes to relax the eye muscles. Incorporating these exercises into daily routines can significantly reduce eye discomfort and enhance vision clarity.
5. Regular Eye Exams
The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests that a person over the age of 65 should go through essential eye exams every two or one year. Regular eye exams help to detect any eye disease that could lead to vision impairment.
Since age people are more prone to develop AMD or cataracts, regular eye exams can catch these diseases and can be treated earlier. Also, you can keep track of your blood sugar and blood pressure levels as you go through these essential eye exams.
Conclusion
Aging is a brutal truth and it reduces our seeing ability in time. However, incorporating a healthy lifestyle and diet significantly slows down the eye’s ageing process and awards you with extended years of clear vision. Follow the above-mentioned vision care tips for seniors and enhance your vision ability.
Paragon Clinic is a leading and renowned private eye care clinic in shrewsbury, offering cost-effective solutions for various invasive or non-invasive eye conditions. We treat our patients within an ultramodern clinic and state-of-the-art diagnosis and scanning facilities. Book your consultation now and save your eyes from age-related diseases.
FAQs
You can keep your vision clear in old age by regular eye exams and incorporating a healthy lifestyle and diet into day-to-day life. These practices delay your eye-aging process to some extent and gift you an extended span of clear vision.
FDA-approved eye drops are known to be the best eye drops for ageing eyes. These eye drops aid in treating age-related eye diseases and boost vision clarity.
As you grow older, your eyes start to decline their seeing ability. Aged people face trouble during the close-up tasks such as reading. If you are having problems in performing such close-up tasks, consult your Ophthalmologist.
Tips for better eyesight include regular eye checkups, a healthy diet and lifestyle, getting moving, wearing glasses and giving your eyes some needed breaks to settle them down.
Mr. Bal Manoj
With over 25+ years of experience in advancing eye care, Mr. Bal Manoj serves as director and co-founder of Paragon Clinic in Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury, and Stafford. His expertise in cataract surgery, glaucoma, and general ophthalmology, coupled with a track record of 10,000+ successful procedures, reflects his commitment to excellence. Connect with Mr. Bal Manoj today for expert eye care solutions.
About Mr. Bal Manoj
With over 25+ years of experience in advancing eye care, Mr. Bal Manoj serves as director and co-founder of Paragon Clinic in Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury, and Stafford. His expertise in cataract surgery, glaucoma, and general ophthalmology, coupled with a track record of 10,000+ successful procedures, reflects his commitment to excellence. Connect with Mr. Bal Manoj today for expert eye care solutions.