How Older Adults Can Maintain Their Freedom Through Healthy Eyesight

Entering your golden years means you have more freedom to do what you want.  You can spend more time with family, visit friends, or take those trips you’ve been planning for years.

Yet if you’re not vigilant about getting your eyes tested every year, then you might quickly lose that precious freedom to a visual impairment.

The statistics are staggering: one in six Americans over the age of 65 has an eye disease or condition that interferes with their vision. Whether the condition is cataracts or diabetic retinopathy, the resulting visual impairment can lead to a significant loss of independence.

Having impaired vision can:

• Make it difficult to perform normal tasks, like driving, reading, writing, etc.;
• Increase the likelihood of getting injured via a fall;
• Increase rates of depression due to loss of independence; and
• Lead to social isolation.

If you want to maintain your freedom, it’s important to use the following tips to maintain your healthy eyesight:

• Get a regular eye exam every year. Visiting your ophthalmologist can help you stay on top of any visual changes and eye conditions that may impact your eyesight.  At NewView Eye Center in Reston, Virginia – also serving the greater Washington, DC area – ophthalmologist Dr. Jacqueline Griffiths can perform regular eye exams and help treat preventable eye diseases.

 Know the signs of visual impairment or vision loss. If you’re having trouble reading, writing, watching television, or driving, make an appointment with Dr. Griffiths right away.  Pay attention to what your friends and family members are saying, too; if they point out that you’ve been much more clumsy lately or keep bumping into things, it might be time to get your vision checked.

 Make healthier choices with your body. If you smoke, give up the cigarettes.  Choose foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3s.  What ends up on your plate can go a long way in protecting and strengthening your eyesight.

 Get plenty of exercise. Go for a walk with friends, or go swimming in your local gym’s pool.  If you do perform any activities with balls – such as tennis, baseball, or even golf – protect your eyesight with sports goggles, as these sports carry significant injury risks.

 Learn more about what you can do to maintain your eyesight as you get older.  Schedule an appointment with Dr. Jacqueline Griffiths at NewView Eye Center in Reston, Virginia today!