EYE CARE guide for the elderly

Ageing is a beautiful process. As we age, we learn to be much more accepting of what life throws at us. We also learn to accept the physical changes which becoming older brings- be it some extra aches in the back or the growing dependency on glasses. Here’s how you can keep your eyes and vision healthy!

What are the common eye diseases or eye problems in older persons?

Poor eyesight because of eye problems such as

Presbyopia – a gradual loss of the ability of the eyes to focus on nearby objects. Most people notice this by around their mid-40s.

Cataract – slow loss of vision and glare due to opacification of the clear lens of the eye. Requires cataract surgery with lens replacement to restore normal vision.

Glaucoma- loss of vision due to damage to optic nerve, high eye pressure. Needs regular treatment.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) – vision loss due to changes in the retina.

are some of the more common eye diseases you might encounter as their age advances.

We have jotted down this guide to help the elderly fam ( or the young curious minds ) live their ‘ageing’ days in ease.

THE GUIDE

• 1. Eye Power
  Wear the right glasses.

Whether you are farsighted or nearsighted, make sure to wear your glasses or contact lenses religiously because neglecting to do so can strain your eyes and cause headaches and eye discomfort.

Ensure that you wear the glasses with the correct power. With Presbyopia, you may find yourself removing your glasses and holding the newspaper or mobile very close to your face to read. This can be easily rectified by using progressive or bifocal glasses. Visit our eye centre in Delhi NCR to get a new prescription today.

• 2. Shade your eyes well.
  Limit UV exposure

Heading out to the beach or taking an afternoon stroll? Don’t forget to carry UV filter sunglasses with you.

Soaking up some warm good sunshine is healthy for the body but not for your eyes.

Poor eyesight or not, too much exposure to the UV rays in sunlight can deteriorate your eyesight. Needless to say, you must NOT, we repeat you must never look at the sun directly with your naked eyes. Staring at the sun doesn’t make your eyes stronger.

Excessive exposure to UV rays may also predispose you to cataracts and age related macular degeneration. Read more about harmful effects of blue light here.

• 3. Give your eyes a break
  Relax them regularly
  

Love watching shows or read books on your mobile device?
We can’t seem to part with our screens, often hooked to it as if our actual life runs on it. This causes our eyes to feel tired and gritty. And also can cause Dry Eye!

Reduce the brightness on your screens, increase the font and remember the 20-20-20 rule. Watch Dr. Rushad Shroff, our amazing eye specialist, explains how here.

Don’t ignore those eyes! Just like your body and your mind, eyes need some rejuvenation & rest too.

• 4. Get regular eye checkups
  Annual Eye check up for all ages
  

Poor vision can lead to falls in elderly, accidents and can cause mental distress as well. Getting a yearly checkup with our eye doctors in Delhi NCR is a great idea!

Why? Because most eye problems can then be detected and treated before they cause vision loss.

As we age, we sort of give in to the idea of a sedentary lifestyle- thinking it would cause exertion.

While we may not be as fit as when we were younger, WHO recommends at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise everyday for adults.

Regular brisk walks, jogging or home workouts- whatever you can do safely, must be done! Exercising not only improves cardiac health and muscle strength but also has indirect benefits on the eyes and vision.

At the same time, eating home cooked food & fresh fruits takes care of your body and vision! Please check with your doctor before you consume multivitamin tablets or food supplements.

P.S – Be mindful of the other health complications you have before venturing out on an intense workout or change your diet drastically. Get in touch with your doctor before trying out anything new.

• 5. Medical conditions.
  Watch your blood sugar & BP!
  

Uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure are also terrible for your eye health. Diabetic retinopathy can cause a permanent loss of vision if not treated well in time. Diabetics should also have at least an annual eye checkup to ensure their retina is ok. People with diabetes are also more predisposed to cataracts and eye infections. Other chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases can also affect the eye. We urge you to consult and follow your physician for health problems!

Hope these tips will help you maintain a healthy vision.