The month of May represents a unique opportunity to focus on healthy aging and eye health, as we celebrate Senior Citizens Month and Healthy Vision Month. For older adults, vision protection is an essential part of maintaining independence, preventing falls, and participating in daily life.
The theme of Older Americans Month is “Stand Up for Your Health,” focusing on prevention, health, and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging. It is important for older adults to remain actively involved in managing your health, including taking preventive steps and making informed decisions that support independence. Furthermore, protecting your overall health can promote eye health in older adults.
The Older Americans Act (OAA) offers services that can help maintain independence and health, including home delivery of nutritious and congregate meals, transportation, and evidence-based programs such as Fall Prevention, Senior Centers, and ElderCare Locator. Links to these resources are below.
In declaring Healthy Vision Month, the American Academy of Ophthalmology stated, “Nearly 37 million adults in America have age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma, all of which can cause poor vision or blindness. However, recent studies show that making healthy choices and getting regular eye exams can help reduce a person’s risk of vision loss. (Eye Health Notes – American Academy of Ophthalmology).” Find out more about common eye conditions on VisionAware.
Recognizing the importance of being proactive about your eye care, the National Eye Institute (NEI) has developed the following list:
Ten things you can do to promote and maintain healthy vision
- Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam. You could have eye problems like glaucoma and not know it.
- Find out if you’re at risk for eye diseases. Diabetes or high blood pressure can increase your risk, as can being overweight, as can being older, having a family history, or being African American, Hispanic, or Native American.
- Talk to your doctor about how to reduce your risks.
- Learn about your family’s health history and tell your doctor if conditions such as age-related macular degeneration or glaucoma run in your family.
- Habits such as exercising and monitoring your diet can reduce your risk of developing some eye problems.
- Eat foods such as dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale and collard greens and fish that contain omega-3 fatty acids – such as salmon, tuna and halibut.
- Don’t smoke.
- Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses and protective eye clothing.
- Don’t look too much at the computer screen. Take breaks. (Keep Your Eyes Healthy | National Eye Institute)
Involvement of family members and caregivers
You can help promote healthy vision by encouraging regular eye exams, providing transportation as needed to appointments, and helping to track medications. Another key role is to help explore available resources such as vision rehabilitation and support groups. You can find this information on APHConnectCenter through the links listed below.
Getting eye care: Options for seniors and Medicare coverage
Many insurance companies, including Regular Medicare, don’t pay for a comprehensive eye exam unless you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma (or are at high risk), and cataracts. Some Medicare Advantage plans provide vision coverage. However, other eye care resources are provided below.
Doctor’s advice regarding vision health
Writing for VisionAware a few years ago, retina specialist Dr. J. Gregory Rosenthal, “What we need most is to provide patients with the knowledge they need to win, and the information they need to do so. Patients need to know that the eye is truly a window into the body, and that what’s happening there is a reflection of what’s happening in the kidneys, nerves, brain, digestive system… everywhere.”
Key takeaways: Become your own champion. Take charge of your health. Follow Dr. Rosenthal’s advice. Get your vision checked, keep up with eye appointments and treatments, eat healthy, stay active, and check out VisionAware’s practical tips for living with low vision.
Join the conversation in May with#Senior_America_MonthShare how you advocate for your health and vision.
Resources and information about living with low vision
New to vision loss? – Call center
Living with blindness or low vision – ConnectCenter
Blindness and Low Vision Support Resources – ConnectCenter
Resources and information about eye care
Get free or low-cost eye care | National Eye Institute
Eye Exams and Low Vision: What to Expect and What to Pay For – ConnectCenter
Resources and information about Older Americans Act services
Elderly care house—Use this guide to find help in your community.
Older Americans Act | ACL management of community life– Has links about services provided by OAA.
