Celebrating Healthy Aging Month by Anisha Haji, O.D.

September 4, 2023

In September, the American Optometric Association observes Healthy Aging Month by educating seniors on how to care for their eyesight. Healthy Vision: A Family Focus is the topic for 2023, and this year, our eye experts at Atlanta Eye Group are urging families and caregivers of seniors to safeguard their vision together!

More than 40 million Americans are 65 or older, and that number is projected to increase to more than 88 million by 2050, according to the National Eye Institute. The number of Americans living with age-related eye conditions is anticipated to double by that year, while the number of Americans with low vision is anticipated to triple! That is why it is essential to raise awareness about practices that will prevent vision loss in seniors and promote healthy aging. 
 

10 Ways You Can Protect Your Vision

Healthy Aging Month is a great opportunity to try out some of these eye-friendly tips.

1. Get regular comprehensive dilated eye exams regularly

2. Be aware of your family’s eye health history. Because some eye diseases and conditions are inherited, it is critical to know if anyone has been diagnosed with them.

3. Exercise

4. Don’t smoke

5. Eat a balanced diet. Load up on fruits and vegetables, dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens, and fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, tuna, trout, and halibut.

6. Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or participating in outdoor activities such as yardwork

7. Wash your hands regularly and make sure your hands are clean when removing your contacts. Be sure to cleanse your contact lenses to prevent infection.

8. Be aware of your family’s medical history, including eye health.

9. Wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation

10. Don’t put off your comprehensive eye exams!

When Should You Schedule an Eye Exam?

Did you know that roughly one in six Americans 65 and older have visual difficulties that cannot be treated by wearing glasses or contacts? Many elderly people avoid seeing an optometrist for eye treatment. Keep in mind that as we get older, our vision gets worse and our risk of developing eye diseases rises.

In an effort to improve the physical, mental, social, and economical well-being of seniors (aged 45 and over), organizations sponsor activities for them.

In addition to your comprehensive eye exam, schedule an appointment with your eye care specialist if you experience any of the following:

• Blurry vision

• Double vision

• Difficulty seeing while driving at night

• Eye pain

• Floaters or flashing lights

• Halos around light sources

• Redness of the eye

• Excessively watery eyes

Schedule Your Eye Exam TODAY!

Early detection and treatment are crucial for maintaining eye health. Healthy Aging Month celebrates this by sharing information on protecting vision and preventing vision loss. If diagnosed with an eye disease, consult with an eye care professional to explore treatment options.

To safeguard your eyesight, make some changes now, especially during Healthy Aging Month. Regularly scheduling an eye exam with an optometrist is crucial to reduce the risk of vision loss as you age. As our eyes and vision change as we age, it's essential not to delay or deny your eye health.

Age-related eye diseases often have no symptoms, so schedule an eye exam with one of our eye experts at Atlanta Eye Group to maintain positive eye health and protect against eye conditions. 

For more information on avoiding eye injuries, visit Atlanta Eye Group at our offices in Alpharetta, Atlanta, and Kennesaw, Georgia. At Atlanta Eye Group, your vision is our focus!

References 
https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-resources/vision-and-aging-resources/healthy-aging-month 
Healthy Aging Month

https://glaucoma.org/september-is-healthy-aging-month-tips-for-healthy-vision/
September is Healthy Aging Month: Tips for Healthy Vision

https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/healthyvisionmonth/index.htm 
Healthy Vision Month

https://medlineplus.gov/eyecare.html
Eye Care