Eye health tips for adults over 60

Eyes age as the rest of the body does, and tips for eye health in adults over 60 include regular eye examinations, a healthy lifestyle, and eye protection.

Research shows that one-in-nine Canadians will suffer irreversible vision loss by the age of 65, and this figure increases to one-in-four for those between the ages of 65 and 75.

There are a number of eye conditions that are linked to aging, including:

• Presbyopia, the natural aging of the eye, which usually affects people once they reach the age of 40. This condition makes it difficult to focus on nearby objects.
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) most often occurs in people over 60, and it affects central vision, making it difficult to read and drive.
• Glaucoma, which is an increase in pressure within the eyeball, is more likely to occur with each decade reached once you're over 40.
• Diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease caused by diabetes, particularly affects older people.
• Abnormal binocular vision is when the eyes work together. A lack of coordination between the eyes causes the loss of depth perception, which in turn may result in falls.
• Cataracts. One thing that can trigger the formation of cataracts is the prolonged usage of prednisone, a drug that is sometimes used for older patients with lung disease.

Many of these eye diseases and conditions are treatable, either through prescription eye glasses or contact lenses, with medication or by surgery. Even if they cannot be cured, the progress of eye conditions can often be slowed.

• Eye examinations for those over 60 should be done annually. Early detection of eye conditions is paramount and many have symptoms that only an optometrist will pick up.
• Smoking and obesity, linked to diabetic retinopathy and AMD, affect eye health. Cutting out smoking, eating nutritious foods, and exercising moderately on a regular basis help to maintain good eye well-being.
• Protective eye wear decreases the risk of accidents around the home and sunglasses shield eyes from the UV rays of the sun.
• Regular physicals from a general physician help to pick up conditions such as high blood pressure or vascular conditions, all of which may affect vision.

Eye health is always important, but particularly so for over-60s. Look after your eyes and they'll last you a lifetime.