How Seniors Can Keep Their Eyes Healthier for Longer

One of the most universal complaints that comes with getting older involves eye health-related concerns. Eyes, much like the rest of the human body, undergo some major changes as you age. The good news is that taking various proactive steps can help preserve your vision and prioritize your well-being. 

Elias Aliprandis, MD, Irene Rusu, MD, and our highly experienced team at Ophthalmology Associates of Bay Ridge in Brooklyn, New York, is here to support you along the way with eye exams. We also regularly check in with you and offer various treatment solutions for all of your eye-care needs. 

So, if you’d like to explore practical tips and tricks seniors can incorporate into their lifestyle to ensure healthier eyes for a longer time, you’ve come to the right place.

Nutrient-rich diets for vision support 

Although this might seem unexpected, your dietary choices can have a major impact on your eye health. That’s why we recommend loading up on the following foods for preventive measures: 

Stock up on leafy greens 

When it comes to your eye health, antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin are the way to go. You can find these in foods like spinach, kale, and collard greens. These nutrients can also help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. 

Try omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids go hand-in-hand with eye health. Include omega-3-rich and fatty fish like salmon and tuna in your diet to maintain retinal function and lower the risk of developing dry eyes. 

Choose colorful fruits and vegetables 

Essential vitamins like A and C are also crucial for the overall well-being of your eyes. You can find these vitamins in a variety of fruits and vegetables with vibrant colors, such as oranges, strawberries, and carrots. 

Healthy habits for optimal eye care 

Along with prioritizing healthy foods, other habits can add to your daily routine that benefit your eyes no matter how old you are. Here are just a few of our top recommendations: 

Schedule regular eye exams 

At Ophthalmology Associates of Bay Ridge, we provide general eye exams to detect eye conditions early. By scheduling eye exams at least once a year, we can help with prompt intervention and better management of your eye care. 

Stay hydrated 

It might seem like the solution to everything is to drink more water, but we really can’t emphasize the importance of staying hydrated enough. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day not only helps maintain eye moisture, it helps prevent dry eyes as well. It’s a win-win. 

Protect your eyes from UV rays 

Perhaps one of the most important tips we can provide is to wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, which are types of radiation that come from the sun. Too much exposure to sunlight without proper protection may increase the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions. 

Digital eye strain management 

The following advice can apply to people at any age but is especially important for seniors looking to keep their eyes healthier for longer. Consider the following digital care tips to keep your eyes in great shape: 

Follow the 20-20-20 rule 

One of the biggest strains on everyone’s eyes these days is excessive screen time. You can mitigate this by following the 20-20-20 rule. Simply take a break every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This can help provide some relief. 

Adjust screen settings 

Reducing glare and eye fatigue is possible by adjusting the brightness and contrast settings on your TV, phone, and computer. It also helps to relieve strain by ensuring that your computer monitor or device is at eye level. 

Blink frequently 

This might seem obvious, but often goes overlooked. Remind yourself to blink regularly, especially during long periods of screen time. Your eyes need a break and blinking offers them just that, moistening and preventing discomfort in short bursts. 

Ultimately, maintaining your eye health is an important part of life at any age. Incorporating the practices we shared in this blog into your daily routine can significantly contribute to maintaining healthy eyes as you age. So, whether you’re a senior or a young adult wanting to prevent issues down the road, it’s never too early or too late to make eye care a top priority. 

If you’re ready to invest in your eye health, we’re here to help! Click here to set up an appointment with our team of experts today.