Senior Eye Care: What You Need to Know

As we grow older and change, it’s normal for our vision to change too. Unfortunately, there are certain habits that you may be taking part in now that could be negatively affecting your vision. The good news is, if you take proper precautions now, vision changes can be properly managed and treated down the road. Here’s what you need to know about senior eye care from our assisted living specialists in Collingswood, NJ.

​​Maintain good nutrition: Eating healthy is key to preserving your eyesight. Prioritizing foods that are rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A and C are key to this preservation. Foods like leafy green vegetables, eggs, nuts, and oily fish (mackerel, tuna, and salmon) are great options to incorporate into your daily diet.

Cut down on alcohol: Overconsumption of alcohol negatively affects health in a number of ways and may trigger chemical reactions that are damaging to the eyes. This directly affects the macula in particular, which is the eye tissue that allows you to see detail and color.

Reduce your sugar and fat intake: While sugar may create the same chemical reactions as alcohol, too much fat in your diet can directly affect blood flow in your arteries. This restricts the flow of oxygen and nutrients to your organs, including your eyes. Too much sugar also increases your risk of developing diabetes, which is the leading cause of blindness in adults.

Quit smoking: Smoking has been linked to high risks of developing cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration, so it’s best to try and kick the habit as soon as possible.

Invest in some good quality sunglasses: Too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays increases your chances of cataracts and macular degeneration. Be sure to invest in a pair of sunglasses that block 99% or 100% of both UVA and UVB rays, as poor quality sunglasses can actually increase your UV ray exposure.

Healthy senior lifestyles at Collingswood

At UMC, we’re more than happy to keep our residents accountable for all aspects of their health. If you or a loved one is interested in making a positive health change this year, our dedicated team in Collingswood is here to help. We have different fitness classes to satisfy every resident’s mobility, such as group yoga, meditation, and dancing – just to name a few. Our trained associates are also available around the clock to assist or modify each exercise to ensure safety is the top priority at all times. Aside from fitness, we also provide meal plans packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that help combat common senior conditions, like vision changes.   

To find out more about how we’re keeping seniors healthy in Camden County, please call us today or visit our website at: https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/collingswood/senior-eye-care-what-you-need-to-know/