How to do Eye Care After 60? Expert Tips

When you age, it also impacts your vision; however, with routine checkups, proper care, and expert guidance, you can lead a healthier life. Yes, you will have to acknowledge and treat your warning signs, or else the chances of dealing with vision loss are high!

There are certain eye diseases that develop without any pain and do not have early symptoms. The best way to combat such problems is by opting for frequent eye examinations; it will detect diseases at an early stage and protect your eyesight as you age. In this blog, we will explore eye care tips that come in handy after 60. Stay tuned with us for more insights.

Eye Care Tips for People Above 60 Years of Age

Below are some of the important eye care tips that will help you safeguard your vision from serious challenges:

• Closely Observe Signs of Vision Changes: Noticeable changes in your vision might include double or blurred vision, difficulty achieving clear vision in low light conditions, distorted straight lines, swelling, eye pain, floaters, redness, etc. Under such situations, you must visit your ophthalmologist and address these concerns.

  
  

• Look for Family History: Sometimes vision problems take place because of genetic factors. If your family history includes high blood pressure and diabetes, you must opt for frequent eye checkups.

  
  

• Safeguard Your Eyes from Ultraviolet Rays: UV rays from the sun can be extremely harmful for your vision. Wear sunglasses that come well-equipped with UV protection features; it will protect your vision from major eye conditions like cataract.

  
  

• Focus on Exercising Your Body: Exercising regularly improves your overall eye health, including your vision. It also reduces risks related to macular degeneration.

  
  

• Opt for a Well-balanced Diet: A well-balanced diet includes various fruits and vegetables that are packed with antioxidants; they reduce risks related to cataracts. Additionally, studies say that omega-3 fatty acids and fish contribute to reducing macular degeneration risks.

  
  

• Refrain from Smoking: Individuals consuming tobacco often get exposed to developing cataracts, macular degeneration, uveitis, along with several other eye conditions.  

  
  

• Comprehensive Eye Test Is a Must: A comprehensive eye test is important for ruling out retinal diseases or the optic nerve. Eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy develop without any pain and symptoms, and detecting them without routine checkups isn’t possible.

  
  

• Don’t Hurt Yourself: Of course, no one willingly gets hurt. However, eye trauma from major falls can result in long-lasting diseases. You need to stay aware, keep your eyes open, and be safe; that’s it.

  
  

What Are the Different Vision Changes and Age-related Eye Problems

As people age, they get exposed to various vision challenges; some of them typically include:

• Cataracts: Individuals who are exposed to cataracts deal with damaged eye lenses, resulting in cloudy vision altogether. By undergoing a comprehensive eye test, you will be able to detect cataract signs and treat the condition with surgery.

  
  

• AMD or Age-related Macular Degeneration: Age-related macular degeneration damages your central vision. It prevents you from doing activities such as driving, reading, and face recognition. When your macula cells start deteriorating, it leads to potential AMD, and that’s why regular eye checks are crucial to detect the disease.

  
  

• Dry Eye: Dry eye is a common eye disease that is evident among different age groups. It takes place when tears fail to lubricate your eyes. Individuals suffering from dry eyes often deal with sore, burning, and itchy eyes. However, you can combat dry eyes with lubricating eye drops and medicines.

  
  

• Diabetic Retinopathy: Patients suffering from diabetes are often exposed to this particular eye disease, diabetic retinopathy. The blood vessels at the back of your eyes are affected by diabetes, and after a certain point in time, it can result in vision loss. To combat the possible chances of diabetic retinopathy, you must keep your blood sugar level in check, opt for routine eye checkups, and maintain healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

  
  

• Retinal Detachment: Retinal detachment is a serious condition; it is the separation or tearing of your eye’s retina. It can take place due to multiple health concerns, such as inflammatory eye disorders, advanced diabetes, etc. If this eye condition stays unaddressed, it can definitely lead to permanent vision loss.

  
  

• Glaucoma: Glaucoma is another common age-related eye problem that damages your optic nerve. Again, this eye condition doesn’t come with any pain or early symptoms; regular eye tests are the only way to detect and treat glaucoma.

  
  

• Presbyopia: When presbyopia occurs, it makes it difficult for you to read things close-up. However, it can be treated using reading glasses.

  
  

How to Drive Safely After 60?

Driving a car for individuals who are 60 or older can be challenging. Some of the signs that help you understand your vision changes typically include:

• You face difficulties while looking at close-up objects like road maps or car instrument panels

• Road signs are not clear

• Colors appear a little different

• You face problems when judging speed and distances

• Adapting to headlight glare and bright sunlight is challenging

• Difficulty driving at night or in low-light surroundings

• Gradually losing side vision

  
  

To ensure safe driving, you must adhere to the following tips:

• Consider driving during the day at a reasonable speed

• At intersections, opt for extra caution

• Annual eye tests are a must

• Don’t wear sunglasses or eyeglasses with wide temples or frames, as they might restrict your vision

  
  

When Are You Supposed to See an Optometrist?

You should book an immediate doctor’s appointment, given you are experiencing these symptoms:

• Color vision is reduced

• Dry eyes

• Extreme sensitivity to glare

• Loss of vision at the edges or center

• Double or blurred vision

• Floaters or spots in your vision

• Eye pain

The Bottom Line

Vision impairment is something that needs immediate attention and expert guidance; keeping it unaddressed will lead to severe concerns with no solutions. For instance, if you have dry eyes, your eye surgeon might suggest Wavelight Plus InnovEyes, which is a technology designed to create your digital eye twin, assess the situation, and minimize dry eyes. They can also suggest personalized solutions and help you lead a better lifestyle. We at Plan My Lasik are here to assist you, cater to your requirements, and help you combat vision challenges that also take a toll on your overall well-being.