VISITING ANGELS RECOMMENDS REGULAR EYE EXAMS FOR SENIORS!
Want to protect your independence? Protect your eyesight!
Don’t be blind to the signs of eye disease, know the facts. The chances of developing Cataracts, Glaucoma, and Macular Degeneration increase as you age.
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Did you know Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness? There are virtually no symptoms and once vision is lost, it's permanent. Glaucoma develops slowly and silently, so as much as 40% of vision can be lost without a person noticing, and vision changes can occur as young as 40 years old.
Currently, more than 3 million Americans have glaucoma. Experts estimate that half of them don't even know they have it because it gradually steals sight gradually without warning. The National Eye Institute projects this number will reach 4.2 million by 2030, a 58 percent increase. There will be an epidemic of blindness if we don't raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations, and stress that to preserve vision, early diagnosis is vital.
What exactly is Glaucoma? Your eyes produce fluid that must drain from the eye to maintain healthy eye pressure. When the eye's drainage canals become blocked and the fluid accumulates, pressure builds inside the eye. This pressure damages the optic nerve which carries images to the brain. Vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision, and the visual acuity or sharpness of vision is maintained until late in the disease so if you have glaucoma, you may not notice anything until significant vision is lost. By then it is too late, the damage is permanent! Vision loss from glaucoma cannot be reversed either with treatment or surgery.
There is no cure for glaucoma—yet. However, medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss even if it cannot reverse damage already caused by the condition. The appropriate treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma among other factors. Early detection is vital to stopping the progress of the disease, which is why regular eye exams are important.
A comprehensive eye examination is the best way to protect your sight from glaucoma. Then, if Glaucoma is diagnosed, treatment can begin immediately. Glaucoma is a chronic condition that must be monitored for life, and with treatment, glaucoma can be managed – but not cured. Current treatments might include drugs, drops, laser procedures, and surgery
High-risk groups for Glaucoma include people over 60 years of age. Other risk factors include hypertension, use of steroids, smoking, and prior diagnosis of a family member, as well as nearsightedness. Those at higher risk include people of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent. Experts say 40% of vision can be lost without a person even noticing, which is why it is so important for Boomers, Seniors and your elder loved ones to have regular eye exams and tests for Glaucoma, including eye dilation.
Be proactive about your eye health. Eat healthy foods rich in nutrients that specifically benefit the eyes. Carrots may be the food best known for helping your eyes, but other foods and their nutrients may be more important for keeping your eyesight keen as you age. In addition to vitamin A, vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids all play a role in eye health. Here’s some menu suggestions:
- Vitamin A: Carrots, kale, spinach, dairy products, egg yolks
- Vitamin C: Citrus fruits (especially kiwi fruit) and juices, green peppers, broccoli, potatoes
- Vitamin E: Eggs, whole grains, vegetable oils, sunflower seeds
- Lutein: Spinach, corn, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts
- Fatty acids: Coldwater fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and rainbow trout; sunflower oil
- Zinc: Meat, poultry, fish, whole grains, dairy products
To protect your eyesight try to exercise more, quit smoking NOW, and stay away from second hand smoke. Remember to wear sunglasses when outdoors, even on a cloudy day. Ask your doctor about eye healthy supplements and antioxidants.
Important slideshow on recognizing Glaucoma and other eye conditions here: https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/mobileart.asp?articlekey=105621
Can’t drive to the Ophthalmologist? Visiting Angels can provide transportation to the doctor’s office as part of our companionship care services. We’ll also take you shopping for healthy foods and prepare nutritious meals. Angels help you run errands, do some light housekeeping, and provide medication reminders if you like. We are all about your health and wellness! Contact owner Colleen Haggerty at 561-328-7611 to find out more about companion care and homecare for the visually impaired. We provide services in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Juno Beach and West Palm Beach. Visit www.VisitingAngels.com/PalmBeaches.
Till next time!
Irv Seldin, JD., Owner and CEO of Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches
*Article not intended as medical advice.