Did you know that vision limitations are one of the ten most common disabilities in the USA, according to the CDC?
Vision loss and the associated limitations are a concern for many seniors, especially for those seeking an active and vibrant retirement in the beautiful and sunny community of La Quinta, CA. You may worry that eyesight loss may hold you back from enjoying the retirement you crave.
To mark Healthy Vision Month in the United States and promote vision awareness, we've put together this guide offering practical steps on how to care for your eyesight and what to do if you experience symptoms of vision loss.
As you enter your senior years, protecting your eye health means scheduling regular eye examinations.
These appointments will assess your general eyesight and ensure you have the correct prescription if you wear glasses, helping you avoid eye strain. They are also vital for detecting potential health conditions that become more prevalent in older people, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
In your senior years, you should schedule an appointment with your eye consultant at least once a year or more frequently if you are experiencing any issues. Regular eye examinations are the most effective way to detect and treat eye conditions in their early stages.
If you have recently moved to La Quinta to begin your retirement, you may need to sign up with a new local eye consultant. Ask for recommendations from staff and residents in your senior living community, as it's likely other residents will have a trusted senior eye care specialist.
In your senior years, it's helpful to recognize some of the early signs of vision changes so that you can take prompt action and receive treatment promptly. Here are some of the warning signs that warrant an appointment with your eye consultant:
It's essential to be mindful of these changes in the summer, especially when enjoying bright sunlight in La Quinta, California, as the sun's glare can often mask emerging symptoms.
Always remember that early diagnosis is the best treatment for eye conditions, so never avoid the problem.
A balanced, highly nutritious diet is a proven way to help protect your vision. Choose natural, whole foods and limit your consumption of processed meals, snacks, and fast food. Here is a list of vitamin and mineral-rich ingredients that can help protect your vision:
If you reside in our senior living community at The Palms at La Quinta, you'll enjoy a varied and nutritious menu prepared by our talented chefs, which will help you obtain the vitamins and minerals you need. A vision-friendly diet is hassle-free and easily achievable.
La Quinta has sunshine throughout the year, and while warm weather might be your perfect idea for retirement, the glare of the sunlight can risk damaging your eyes. UV rays can increase your risk of conditions such as cataracts.
Always wear sunglasses that protect you from harmful UVA and UVB rays, even in cloudy weather. It's also a good idea to wear a wide-brimmed hat in the hotter summer months and choose earlier times of the day for outdoor activities before the sun reaches its highest point in the sky.
Staying physically active in your senior years helps keep you mobile, and it guards against disease. It can also have a surprisingly significant effect on your eye health. When we exercise, we improve blood circulation, which ensures oxygen and nutrients reach critical parts of the eyes, including the retina.
That's vital for eye health and can help lower your risk of conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.
You don't need to be doing long-distance running or weight training to get the benefits from exercise in your senior years. A gentle walk, yoga class, or tai chi can be just as effective.
If you live in an apartment in a senior living community like The Palms at La Quinta, take the time to conduct a short safety review to check for hazards.
Your risk of falls increases with age due to balance and mobility issues. And a fall onto a hard floor or a sharp corner could leave you with damage to your eyesight.
Additionally, ensure that you have sufficient lighting around your home. Not only will this help you avoid hazards, but it will also ensure you have a brightly lit space and aren't straining your eyes.
If you are already experiencing vision loss, make sure you aren't straining your eyes unnecessarily throughout the day. Use vision aids that make life easier, such as:
You'll find that these sorts of aids offer convenience, so keep them with you when you are out in your senior living community. They are a worthwhile investment.
If you have a chronic condition like high blood pressure or diabetes, you are at higher risk of vision problems.
Keep your condition well-managed by following the advice of your medical practitioner. Additionally, always keep your medical appointments and consult with your doctor for advice if you have concerns about vision loss.
Healthy Vision Month serves as a reminder to us all that our eyesight is precious and that we need to take steps to care for our vision. Use the tips in this guide to maintain your eye health and schedule regular eye examinations.
If you want to live retirement to the fullest, come and see what we provide at The Palm at La Quinta in California. With award-winning social programs on-site and close proximity to retirement-friendly amenities in nearby La Quinta, we offer the dream retirement you've imagined. Schedule a tour of our community today.