Millions of seniors learn each year that they have developed cataracts that are affecting their vision. Some of the risk factors for cataracts, like family history, can’t be changed. But other factors can be accounted for over time. Adding some proactive steps to their daily routines can help seniors slow down cataract progression. Personal care at home can be a huge help in adjusting routines to protect seniors from cataracts as much as possible.
Wear Protective Eye Gear
Eye injuries are a surprising contributing factor in all sorts of vision issues, including cataracts. As seniors engage in hobbies and other activities, they might want to consider wearing protective eye gear as much as they can. Even small particles, like dust, can cause eye damage over time.
Personal care at home providers can help seniors remember to wear goggles or other types of protective gear consistently.
Wear UV-blocking Sunglasses
Ultraviolet rays cause skin damage, but they can also cause damage to the eyes. Wearing sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays can offer a layer of protection for seniors when they’re outside. Hats that shield the eyes can offer some protection as well.
When seniors make sunglasses a habit, they’re less likely to experience eye damage that might contribute to cataracts.
Manage Chronic Health Conditions
Health issues have far-reaching effects on other parts of the body, such as the eyes. High blood pressure and high blood sugar levels are two of the most common health issues that affect eye health. Keeping chronic health issues managed protects overall health, but it also helps seniors reduce the risk of developing cataracts.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Lifestyle choices like drinking alcohol more than occasionally or smoking have more of an impact than many seniors realize. Both of these habits affect overall health, including reducing blood flow to the eyes and the nutrients seniors need to keep their eyes healthy.
Seniors can talk to their doctors to get a better understanding of how these habits affect their individual health issues.
Eat Lots of Antioxidants
Getting adequate nutrition, including antioxidants, helps seniors have the building blocks their bodies need to stay as healthy as possible. Berries, carrots, and leafy greens are just a few of the foods that are high in the nutrients that healthy eyes need. Incorporating more of these foods into daily meals is a lot easier with the help of personal care at home.
Seniors can enjoy eating healthy foods without having to wear themselves out planning and cooking every day.
Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Routine eye exams are the best step seniors can take to protect their vision. Their eye doctors can watch for early signs of cataracts while also looking for other changes in seniors’ eye health. When seniors go regularly to their eye doctors, they have plenty of information about how their eyes are changing over time.
Protecting seniors from cataracts involves taking preventative steps that add up. Personal care at home can help seniors be more proactive about their eye health and stay aware of how their choices affect their vision as they age.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home in Parkland, FL, please contact the caring staff at Actify Home Care today at (954) 902-6049
Actify Home Care provides exceptional home and facility care for anyone in Broward County, including Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Parkland, Sunrise, Plantation, Weston, Pembroke Pines, Tamarac, Coral Springs, Miramar, Florida, and surrounding areas.
We offer services all around the South Florida area, if you have questions for us or don’t see your area listed just ask, we’d be happy to help. Contact us today!
