May is Healthy Vision Month

As a family caregiver, you are responsible for the health and well-being of your aging relative. Taking care of their eyes should be as much of a priority as other health care practices. Since May is Healthy Vision Month, there’s no better time for family caregivers to identify ways that will help their elderly loved one keep eye health at the forefront.

Senior Care Mooresville NC – May is Healthy Vision Month

What is Healthy Vision?

While the eyes are simply amazing, many people often forget to go in for regular eye examinations to maintain their health. Unless a person needs eyewear, it’s common for people to never visit an optometrist for checkups.

Healthy Vision Month is a public awareness campaign designed to encourage and educate everyone, especially elderly adults, to do everything they can to ensure their eyes are healthy. Family caregivers can play a big part in making sure their aging loved one has the healthiest vision possible.

There are several things that elderly adults can do to have healthy vision. Of course, a health lifestyle with a nutritious diet, plenty of restful sleep and no smoking are critical to good eye health. Family caregivers should know about any eye diseases in the person’s family history as many are genetic. Elderly adults should get regular eye examinations that include eye dilation. Finally, seniors should always have eyeglasses in their most current prescription to keep vision sharp and avoid eye strain.

Family caregivers and senior care providers need to help the aging adult observe Healthy Vision Month and assess their needs regarding their eyes and vision.

Vision Issues in Elderly Adults

Healthy vision is important to keeping active, enjoying life and staying away from danger. If an elderly person is suffering from poor vision, it can impact so many areas of their lives. Even if the senior has had excellent eyesight and outstanding eye health for their entire life, they still need to think about healthy vision because aging can affect the eyes in several ways.

Elderly adults are at a higher risk than others for developing eye diseases like glaucoma, dry eyes, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts. However, many of these conditions present no early symptoms except for those that can be observed by an eye care professional. With other types of illnesses, family caregivers and senior care providers can help seniors analyze their symptoms and make a doctor visit. However, with eye health, it’s important to let eye doctors conduct regular exams to identify any problems.

Family caregivers and senior care providers should make attending eye appointments a priority for elderly adults, especially those that need full-time or part-time care. It’s far too easy to put off an eye exam, especially if nothing seems wrong. Eye health is far too important to neglect, and elderly adults need encouragement and education about healthy vision.

Source:  https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/healthyvisionmonth/index.htm

If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services in Mooresville NC, please contact the caring staff at TenderHearted Home Care today. (704) 612-4132.