According to the American Foundation for the Blind, about 3.6 million seniors aged 65 and older struggle with vision loss. Losing your vision can affect your mobility, independence, and quality of life. This Healthy Vision Month, consider making a change to protect your eyesight.
A few small lifestyle changes can greatly impact your vision and overall health. You can maintain your vision as you age, enhancing your quality of life. Read on for our aging and vision tips for seniors in Tulsa, OK.
According to the American Heart Association, less than half of the adults aged 71 and older met federal guidelines for healthy eating patterns. Less than a quarter of older adults meet intake requirements for dairy, fruit, and vegetables. As a result, many older adults don't get enough vitamin B12, D, and other nutrients through their diet.
Neglecting to eat a healthy, nutritious diet may lead to a vitamin deficiency. This could increase your risk of developing an eye disease as you age. Aging and vision nutrients include:
These vitamins and minerals may help reduce your risk of developing an eye condition, including:
Of these, AMD is the leading cause of irreversible blindness and vision impairment. About 20 million Americans have some form of AMD.
AMD can blur your central vision, affecting your ability to see details straight ahead. Driving, seeing faces, and reading could become difficult. It can affect your ability to function, independence, and quality of life.
Before that happens, consider adjusting your diet for better senior eye health. Here are a few vitamins and minerals to prioritize.
Your eyes produce pigments for your retinas to work properly. A vitamin A deficiency can affect the production of these pigments, increasing your risk of night blindness. Vitamin A also helps nourish the cornea and other parts of the eye.
Most healthy adults require 700 to 900 mg of vitamin A a day. Too much, however, can be dangerous. Consult your doctor before adding new vitamins and minerals to your routine.
You can meet up to 30% of your daily requirements for vitamin A through provitamin A carotenoids. Food sources include:
To add these foods to your diet, prepare mixed vegetables as a side. You can also enjoy delicious fruit smoothies or parfaits.
For ease and convenience, consider exploring your senior living community's dining program. You can discover more nutritious meals made with aging and vision in mind.
The concentration of vitamin C in the aqueous humor (the clear layer of fluid in the eye) is 20 times higher than in blood plasma. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps the body fight damaging free radicals.
For women, the recommended daily intake is 75 mg. For men, it's 90 mg.
Your body can't produce this essential vitamin on its own. Consider taking supplements or eating:
Another antioxidant, vitamin E helps protect fatty acids from free radical damage. There's a high concentration of fatty acids in the retinas. A deficiency could increase your risk of retinal degeneration or blindness.
Paired with vitamins B3 and B6, vitamin E may help reduce the risk of cataracts. To add vitamin E to your diet, consume more:
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) studies were designed to learn more about the risk factors of AMD and cataracts. They evaluated the effects of vitamins on disease progression.
According to the trials, AREDS/AREDS2 supplements may delay the progression of intermediate to advanced AMD. This may help you maintain your vision longer.
Participants who received lutein/zeaxanthin supplements had a 26% reduced risk of developing advanced AMD compared to others. These antioxidants are concentrated in the retina's center.
They protect the eyes from harmful blue lights by acting as a natural sunblock. Food sources of lutein and zeaxanthin include:
Omega-3 fatty acids may decrease your risk of developing a vision impairment. Food sources include fatty fish like salmon and walnuts.
Omega-6 fatty acids support the production of anti-inflammatory compounds. They may help alleviate symptoms of dry eye or help conditions like cataracts. Food sources include eggs and hemp seeds.
A zinc deficiency may increase your risk of night blindness. Food sources include:
Genetics and your age can influence the development of cataracts. However, you may lower your risk or delay the onset with these eye health tips.
Exercise boosts blood flow, helping essential nutrients reach the eyes. It can also ease inflammation, which may reduce your risk of:
Explore your senior living community's wellness program or activities calendar for fun exercise classes.
Eye exams for older adults ensure early detection. Schedule regular eye appointments with your Tulsa eye doctor.
They can assess your eyes for early signs of cataracts and other conditions. Apply their personalized senior eye health tips to maintain your vision.
For example, they may recommend you quit smoking. Smoking is linked to AMD and cataracts.
When outside, wear glasses that offer UV-A and UV-B protection. Inside, wear blue light glasses to avoid damaging your retinal cells.
Neglecting your senior eye health may increase your risk of cataracts or AMD. Instead, apply these tips for Healthy Vision Month and beyond. Remember, you can discover more vision support in independent living.
Look no further than Country Club at Woodland Hills. We offer comforts and conveniences through exclusive senior lifestyle programs, including Sensations Dining, Celebrations Activities & Events, and Dimensions Health & Fitness.
Here, residents can enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle with unrestricted access to amenities, allowing you to maintain your independence. Contact us now to schedule your tour.