The month of May presents a unique opportunity to focus on healthy aging and eye health, as we celebrate both Older Americans Month and Healthy Vision Month. For older adults, protecting your vision is a key part of maintaining independence, preventing falls, and staying engaged in daily life.
The Older American’s month theme is “Champion Your Health”, focusing on prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging. It is critical that older people remain actively involved in managing your health, including taking preventative steps and making informed decisions that support independence. Further, protecting your overall health can promote eye health for older adults.
The Older Americans Act (OAA) offers services that can help with maintaining independence and health including nutritious home delivered and congregate meals, transportation, evidence-based programs such as fall prevention, senior centers, and the ElderCare Locator. Links to these resources are below.
In announcing Healthy Vision Month, the American Academy of Ophthalmology states that, “Approximately 37 million adults in America have age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma, all of which can cause visual impairment 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 Observances – American Academy of Ophthalmology). Find out more about common eye conditions on VisionAware.
In recognition of the importance of being proactive with 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. It is possible to have eye problems such as glaucoma and not know it.
- Find out if you are at risk of eye diseases. Diabetes or high blood pressure can increase your risk as can being overweight, as can being older, having family history, or being African American, Hispanic, or Native American.
- Talk to your doctor about how you can lower your risk.
- Learn about your family’s health history and tell your doctor if there are conditions such as age-related macular degeneration or glaucoma in your family.
- Habits such as exercising and watching your diet can decrease risk of certain eye problems.
- Eat foods such dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids — like salmon, tuna, and halibut.
- Do not smoke.
- Protect your eyes: wear sunglasses and protective eye wear.
- Do not overdo looking at a computer screen. Take breaks. (Keep Your Eyes Healthy | National Eye Institute)
Family Member and Caregiver Involvement
You can help promote healthy vision by encouraging regular eye exams, providing transportation as needed for appointments, and helping track medications. Another essential key role is helping explore available resources such as vision rehabilitation and support groups. You can find this information on the APHConnectCenter through the links listed below.
Getting Eye Care: Options for Older Adults and Medicare Coverage
Many insurances, including regular Medicare, do not pay for a comprehensive eye exam unless you have been diagnosed with diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma (or are at high risk), and cataracts. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer vision coverage. However, other eye care resources are provided below.
A Doctor’s Advice on Vision Health
In writing for VisionAware a few years ago, retinal specialist Dr. J. Gregory Rosenthal stated, “What we need most is patients empowered with the knowledge that they can win, and with the information they need to do so. Patients need to know that the eye really is a window into the body, and what is going on there is a reflection of what is happening in the kidney, the nerves, the brain, the GI tract … everywhere.”
Key Takeaway: Become your own champion. Take charge of your health. Follow Dr. Rosenthal’s advice. Get your vision checked, keep up with your eye appointments and treatments, eat healthily, stay active, and check out VisionAware’s practical tips for living with low vision.
Join the conversation this May using #OlderAmericansMonth and share how you are championing your health and vision.
New to Vision Loss? – ConnectCenter
Living with Blindness or Low Vision – ConnectCenter
Blindness and Low Vision Support Resources – ConnectCenter
Get Free or Low-Cost Eye Care | National Eye Institute
Eye and Low Vision Exams: What to Expect and Advocate For – ConnectCenter
Elder Care | Home—Use this directory to find help in your community.
Older Americans Act | ACL Administration for Community Living—has links about services provided by the OAA.
Older Americans Month | ACL Administration for Community Living