For seniors, age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a prevalent eye condition. This condition has an impact on the macula, the central area of the retina in charge of clear vision. Even though AMD doesn’t result in total blindness, it can have a big effect on seniors’ ability to complete everyday tasks. The good news is that home care providers can help them with their daily tasks and encourage them to talk with their medical team about their vision concerns.
Additionally, they can help seniors incorporate the tips below.
Maintain Routine Eye Exams
For AMD to be detected and treated early, routine eye exams are essential. Comprehensive eye exams can identify AMD early on, even before symptoms manifest. Seniors should establish the routine of seeing their eye doctor once a year, or more often if they have a family history of AMD or other risk factors.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Consuming a diet full of fruits, vegetables, and seafood can help maintain eye health. Antioxidant-rich foods like citrus fruits, leafy greens, and carrots can help shield seniors’ eyes from harm, while fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as mackerel and salmon, have additional health benefits. Home care can offer suggestions for seniors to consider as well as help them with grocery shopping and food prep.
Stop Smoking
One of the main risk factors for AMD development is smoking. It raises the chance of being diagnosed with this illness and affects the blood vessels in the eyes. If seniors smoke, they can talk with their medical team about getting the help they need to quit, as well as other benefits they’ll gain when cutting smoking out of their daily routine.
Reduce UV Light Exposure
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light can damage seniors’ eyes and raise their chance of developing AMD. When they’re outside, home care should encourage them to wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that completely filter UV rays. For the best protection, seniors should look for sunglasses with the mark “UV400.”
Healthy Management of Long-Term Illnesses
Diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are a few diseases that can harm the eyes and raise the risk of AMD. To properly manage these illnesses and reduce the risk, seniors should collaborate with their healthcare provider. Making and keeping regular checkups, as well as adhering to prescribed treatments, can help maintain the health of their eyes.
Set Screen Time Limits and Develop Good Eye Habits
Extended use of screens can cause eye strain. Seniors should observe the 20-20-20 rule, which says to gaze at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes. This promotes eye health and lessens eye strain.
Age-related macular degeneration can be managed and prevented with a mix of healthy strategies, good lifestyle choices, and routine eye care. With home care encouraging them, seniors may help preserve their vision and have a higher quality of life as they age by adhering to the above-mentioned tips.
Sources: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/7-tips-for-macular-degeneration
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15246-macular-degeneration
https://www.health.com/macular-degeneration-prevention-8580455
https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/20-20-20-rule
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Delray Beach FL, please get in touch with the caring staff at Star Multi Care today. Call 954-962-0926
Star Multi Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Florida including Palm Beach, Miami Dade, and Broward County.
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