Caring for Your Vision Later in Life
It’s no secret that aging tends to bring changes to your vision. Presbyopia is a common side effect of the aging process, causing more difficulty seeing objects up-close. There are also more serious considerations for your vision health as you get older, such as increased risks for cataracts and glaucoma. To ensure that you maintain healthy eyes and retain as much visual acuity as possible in your later years, follow these simple guidelines.
Use Corrective Lenses as Needed
If you find that it’s more difficult to read restaurant menus or captions on the television screen, then you may need to start wearing reading glasses to prevent eyestrain. If you already wear corrective lenses, it may be appropriate to switch to bifocals. Additionally, you may decide to trade in your contact lenses for glasses, since it can become more difficult to properly clean, insert, and remove your lenses each day.
Wear Sunglasses Outdoors
Especially in sunny Arizona, you should always protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses whenever you go outdoors. This will help to prevent or slow the progression of cataracts, which are much more likely with prolonged UV exposure. A wide-brimmed hat can offer a second layer of protection when you are spending longer stretches of time outdoors.
Continue Annual Visits to the Ophthalmologist
Seeing the eye doctor once per year is important at any age, but particularly for older adults. Changes in your vision tend to happen gradually, so it’s important to check in with a doctor to make sure that you are getting the right level of correction. These visits can also alert you of warning signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other problems that can permanently damage your vision.
At Life Care Center of Sierra Vista, you will find a caring, supportive environment where you can age well. Their friendly and skilled staff will tend to your individual needs and goals to ensure optimal health in your later years. To learn more about their assisted living facilities in Sierra Vista, AZ, call (520) 458-1050 and schedule a tour.
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