Eye Care Tips for the 60+

It’s quite normal to experience weaker eyesight as we grow older. Many vision problems also tend to crop up with cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration being quite common among older adults. While you cannot prevent your eyes from ageing, there are some steps you can take that will slow the age-related damage to your eyes. Here are some eye care tips if you are 60 years of age (or above).

Eye Care Tips

• Eat Right – an eye-healthy diet includes foods rich in vitamins A & C, such as fruits and leafy greens. Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for a healthy macula, so eat plenty of fish. Take a multi-vitamin to supplement your nutrition intake, but do so only on the advice of a doctor.

• Quit Smoking – apart from myriad health issues arising out of smoking, it also affects your eyes adversely. Smoking exposes your eyes to high levels of oxidative stress, which can give rise to many eye problems.

• Get Fit – exercise improves blood circulation, leading to increase in oxygen levels to the eyes. Protect your eyes – if you spend a lot of time outdoors, or indulge in ‘outdoorsy’ activities such as gardening, it’s necessary to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays. Wear sunglasses that block both UVA & UVB rays, and also wear a hat for good measure.

• Get Rest – sleep deprivation can cause undue eye strain.

• Take A Break – from repetitive functions, such as using the computer for long periods of time or watching too much TV. Follow the 20-20-20 rule; every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break and focus on an object at least 20 feet away.

And last, but not the least, take an eye test regularly.

Free NHS Tests

Getting regular eye tests done is absolutely imperative for maintaining good eye health. This is especially important as you age. We recommend that you add an annual eye test to your routine health check-up. For the elderly, there are many concessions available. For example, did you know that you could qualify for a free NHS eye test if you are 60 years of age (or over)? You can avail this free test if you have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma. A free NHS eye test is also available to over 40-year olds if an immediate family member (mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter) has been diagnosed with glaucoma. Find out more about free NHS eye tests; you could just be eligible.

Getting it done

At Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care we take eye care seriously. We have more than 80 years of experience and we believe in offering quality eye care solutions. We are a family-run business and you will find warm and friendly service when you walk into any of our stores. Our fully qualified optometrist will put you at ease and carry out a complete lifestyle evaluation, followed by a comprehensive eye test. Our eye test takes about 30 minutes and is tailored to your specific needs. Based on the results of the eye test we will help you select glasses that best suit your requirement.

We will also advise you on best eye care practices. So avail our unmatched services today! Book an appointment online with Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care, and let us take care of your eyesight.