EYE HEALTH TIPS FOR OVER 60S

As you get older, you become more likely to get certain eye problems:
 

Difficulty reading — eye muscles start to weaken from the age of 45. It's a natural ageing process of the eye that happens to us all. By the time you're 40, you'll probably need separate reading glasses.
 

Floaters — these tiny specks or spots that float across your vision are normally harmless. If they persist, see an optician as they may be a sign of an underlying health condition.
 

Cataracts — easily detected in an eye test, this gradual clouding of the eye's lens is very common in people aged over 60. A simple operation can restore sight.
 

Glaucoma — this is related to an increase in pressure in the eye that leads to damage of the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. Left untreated, glaucoma leads to tunnel vision and, ultimately, blindness. However, if it's detected early enough, these complications can usually be avoided with eye drops. 
 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — this is the name given to a group of degenerative diseases of the retina that cause progressive, permanent loss of central vision, affecting the ability to see fine detail, drive, read and recognise faces. There is no cure for AMD but treatment can slow down its progression, depending on the stage and the type of disease (wet, dry and other forms). The earlier the disease is detected, the more vision you are likely to retain. Regular checks and eye tests are recommended to reduce the risk or slow down the progression of AMD.
 

Diabetic retinopathy — people with diabetes may develop this condition that can lead to serious loss of vision. If you have diabetes, make sure that you have regular eye tests.
 

Here are some tips to help keep your vision clear. 
 

-Have regular eye tests
 

An eye test is not just good for checking whether your glasses are up to date. It's also a vital check on the health of your eyes.
 

An eye test can pick up eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts and melanoma in the eye, as well as general health problems, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Good eyesight is important in reducing accidental injuries from falls and motor vehicle accidents.
 

-Eat well
 

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is important for your eyes. Eating plenty of vegetables and fruit will benefit your overall health and may help protect against some conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
 

-Wear sunglasses 
 

Strong sunlight can damage your eyes and may increase your risk of cataracts. Wear sunglasses or contact lenses with a built-in UV filter to protect your eyes from harmful rays.
 

-Quit smoking 
 

Smoking can increase your chances of developing conditions such as cataracts and AMD.
 

-Stay a healthy weight 
 

Being overweight increases your risk of diabetes, which can lead to sight loss.
 

-Use good lighting 
 

To see well, your eyes need 3 times as much light when you're 60 as they did when you were 20. Increase the daylight in your home by keeping windows clean and curtains pulled back. Make sure you have good electric lighting too, especially at the top and bottom of stairs so you can see the steps clearly. For reading or close work, use a direct light from a flexible table lamp, positioned so the light is not reflected by the page and causing glare. 
 

-Exercise 
 

Good circulation and oxygen intake are important for your eye health. Both of these are stimulated by regular exercise.
 

-Sleep well — as you sleep, your eyes are continuously lubricated, clearing out irritants such as dust or smoke that may have accumulated during the day.