Preventing Eye Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 12 million adults older than 40 in America have a vision impairment. The CDC also notes that each year, one in four Americans older than 65 will experience a fall, the leading cause of eye injuries in seniors. October is Eye Injury Prevention Month, making it a perfect time to learn about common eye injuries and conditions in older adults and how to prevent them.
Common Eye Conditions in Older Adults
Most older adults experience some vision loss or slight vision impairments with age, but other eye conditions may occur as you get older.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that affect the optic nerve and is the leading cause of blindness in seniors older than 60. Unfortunately, there are few symptoms for glaucoma in the early stages, which makes it a challenging eye condition to detect. As the condition worsens, some people may experience decreased peripheral or central vision or tunnel vision. It can also cause headaches, eye pain, nausea, blurred vision, or eye redness.
Cataracts
Cataracts are when the clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurred or dim vision. Cataracts tend to develop slowly over time, and doctors can usually correct the vision impairment with eyeglasses. However, as the cataracts progress, they may cause night vision, sensitivity to light, the fading of colors, or double vision in a single eye. Sometimes cataracts happen with age as the tissue that makes up the eye’s lens changes. But cataracts can also occur after an eye injury if the lens tissue is affected.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a common eye condition in those older than 60. Macular degeneration gradually develops over time and causes visual distortions, poor central vision, blurriness, and blind spots. The exact cause of macular degeneration is unknown. Still, it tends to occur most often in those with a family history of macular degeneration and people who smoke or are obese.
Scratches and Cuts
The eyes tend to grow drier with age, making them more prone to minor scrapes and cuts. Scratches and scrapes can happen if something like dirt gets into a dry eye, or in most cases with seniors, due to a fall that leads to hitting the eye on something, causing it to scratch.
Tips to Prevent Eye Injuries
It’s common to experience some changes in vision with age, but there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing non-age-related eye injuries.
Reduce Falls
One of the most common ways older adults injure their eyes is from a fall. Sometimes, an older adult falls and hits their head or eye can cause cuts, scratches, and other eye injuries that may require immediate medical attention. To reduce fall-related eye injuries, you’ll want to eliminate fall hazards in the home. Fall hazards include cluttered walkways, non-slip rugs, and unlit hallways. You can also reduce falls by placing rails and grab bars in showers, tubs, and near the toilet.
Eye Exams
Annual eye exams are essential for maintaining your eye health. During an eye exam, your doctor can determine if you are at risk for various eye conditions, and they can guide you on how to keep your eyes and your vision healthy. Annual eye exams are also essential for people who wear glasses or contacts. You want to ensure your eye prescription is up to date. Wearing corrective eyewear with the wrong prescription can harm your eyes and make it more difficult for you to see.
Wear Protective Eyewear
Protective eyewear keeps your eyes safe whenever you’re doing something that could put your eyes in danger, such as yard work. Protective eyewear, such as sunglasses, can also help protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun and wind, which can cause dry eyes. Wearing sunglasses can also protect your eyes from collecting dirt or pollen, which can irritate the eye and cause redness or itching.
Stay Healthy
Maintain your overall health with exercise and nutrition to reduce your risk of developing some eye conditions. Staying fit and eating right also reduces your chances of falling, which lessens your chance of fall-related injuries. Try to do something active for at least 30 minutes each day. It can be as simple as taking a walk around your neighborhood, riding your bike, or stretching at home. Also, try to maintain a healthy weight by eating fresh produce and lean meats and eliminating processed foods high in sugar and fat.
How Visiting Angels Can Help
If you or an aging loved one has a vision impairment or eye injury and needs assistance at home, the team at Visiting Angels Wayzata can help. Our caregivers provide in-home services to help seniors age-in-place, such as light housekeeping, personal grooming, meal preparations, medication reminders, and mobility assistance. Our Wayzata office serves those in Minneapolis and the west and southwest communities. If you’d like to learn more about our services, you can complete this online form or call us at 952.935.0789.