According to the American Foundation for the Blind, approximately 13.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are blind or have trouble seeing. However, many avoid seeking eye care for seniors. Without proper eye health education, you could lose the opportunity to maintain your vision as you age.
This Healthy Vision Month, consider making lifestyle changes to protect your eye health. Unsure of where to start? Read on for our senior vision wellness tips for residents of Glendale, AZ!
According to the American Heart Association, aging bodies may not absorb nutrients efficiently. Unfortunately, less than half of American adults aged 71 and older meet the federal guidelines for healthy eating patterns. Many fail to get the vitamins and minerals they need through food.
Your likelihood of developing an eye disease will increase as you age. If you're neglecting your nutrition, your risk could increase further. Nutrients that are essential for maintaining eye health include:
Without these vitamins and minerals, your risk of developing an eye condition may increase. Common conditions associated with aging and eyesight include:
Nearly 20 million Americans are living with some form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the leading cause of vision impairment and irreversible blindness. It's also the leading cause of vision loss in Americans aged 65 and older.
AMD is an irreversible destruction of the macula. It causes the loss of "straight ahead" vision, which is required for recognizing faces, driving, and other activities. AMD could affect your ability to function and quality of life.
As you prioritize your senior vision wellness, try adding more vitamins and minerals to your diet. Here are a few to consider.
A vitamin A deficiency may increase your risk of dry eyes and night blindness. Vitamin A deficiencies are the most common cause of vision loss in developing countries.
This vitamin is essential for maintaining photoreceptors (the eyes' light-sensing cells). Too much vitamin A, however, can be dangerous. Most healthy adults need 700 to 900 mg a day.
Animal sources include dairy products and egg yolks. However, you can meet up to 30% of your daily requirements by consuming provitamin A carotenoids. Foods rich in carotenoids like beta-carotene include:
Consider having a nutritious fruit salad or mixed vegetables as a side. You can explore more food options through your senior living community's dining program. With their help, you can discover healthy, nutritious meals with aging and eyesight in mind.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant concentrated in the clear layer of fluid in the eye, the aqueous humor. This concentration is 20 times higher in the eye than in blood plasma.
The recommended daily intake is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. It's an essential vitamin, meaning your body can't produce it. Food sources for vitamin C include:
Vitamin C may play a protective role in eye care for seniors. However, clinical trials haven't determined that it can help slow the progression of cataracts. More research is needed.
Vitamin E is another antioxidant. It helps protect fatty acids from harmful oxidation, which occurs due to an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants. Free radicals can cause cellular damage.
A vitamin E deficiency may increase the risk of blindness and retinal degeneration. It's important for optimal eye health, as retinas have a high concentration of fatty acids.
A 2024 analysis suggests regular vitamin E intake, with vitamins B3 and B6, may reduce the risk of cataract development. Food sources of vitamin E include:
According to the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2), lutein and zeaxanthin may reduce the risk of AMD progressing to advanced forms. Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants known as macular pigments. They're concentrated in the central part of the retina.
Food sources include:
Both function as a natural sunblock. They protect the eyes from harmful blue light.
The body can't produce omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on its own. An omega-3 deficiency may increase the risk of vision impairment. Food sources of omega-3 include:
Try to maintain a proper ratio of omega-3s and omega-6s. Food sources for omega-6 include:
The eyes contain high levels of zinc, which forms visual pigments. A deficiency could increase your risk of night blindness. Food sources include:
Prioritizing your overall health can benefit your senior vision wellness. Here are some tips on eye care for seniors.
Exercising improves blood flow, allowing nutrients to travel to the eyes. Aim for 150 minutes a week.
Explore your senior living community's activities calendar for exercise classes. Exercising will reduce inflammation, which is associated with:
Visit your Glendale eye doctor for regular check-ups. They can assess your vision to check for cataracts, glaucoma, and other diseases. Their eye health education will help you make personalized changes.
Wear glasses that offer UV-A and UV-B protection. Excessive exposure may increase your risk of cataracts.
Wear blue light glasses when using devices. Otherwise, blue light can damage retinal cells, leading to vision problems like AMD.
Don't neglect your senior vision wellness. Instead, observe Healthy Vision Month by applying these tips. Remember to consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Moving into a Glendale senior living community will help you further prioritize your health. Look no further than Westgate Village. Our Independent Living with Supportive Services will help you live an active, independent lifestyle.
Enjoy our exclusive lifestyle programs, including chef-prepared meals, charming apartments, and engaging activities, for the perfect blend of independence and support. Contact us now to schedule your tour.