Vision care after 60: tips and recommendations

Vision care after 60: tips and recommendations

I. Introduction: age -related vision changes and their impact on the quality of life

Acting is an inevitable process that affects all systems of the body, including visual. After 60 years, the probability of developing various diseases of the eyes increases, and natural age -related changes can lead to visual impairment. These changes can significantly affect the quality of life, limiting the possibilities in everyday activity, such as reading, driving a car, working at a computer, as well as participation in social events.

Understanding these changes and taking timely measures for the prevention and treatment of eye diseases is extremely important for maintaining good vision and maintaining an active lifestyle in old age.

II. Common age -related vision changes:

With age, vision undergoes a number of natural changes. Understanding these processes allows us to more effectively adapt to new conditions and turn to a specialist in time for help.

• Presbiopia (age farsightedness): This is one of the most common age -related changes in vision, which affects almost all people after 40 years. The lens of the eye loses its elasticity and the ability to accommodate, that is, focus on close objects. This is manifested in difficulty in reading the small font, the need to move the text further from the eyes and quick fatigue when working at close range.

• Dry eyes: With age, the production of tear fluid is reduced, which leads to dry eyes. This can cause a feeling of sand in the eyes, burning, redness and discomfort. Dry eyes can also worsen the quality of vision, especially when working at a computer or in rooms with dry air.

• Deterioration of color perception: The ability to distinguish colors, especially shades of blue and green, can decrease with age. This is due to changes in the mesh cells responsible for color vision.

• Reducing sensitivity to contrast: The ability to distinguish between objects with low contrast is reduced, which complicates orientation in conditions of insufficient lighting, for example, at dusk or at night.

• The appearance of floating cloudings (flies) in the field of view: These are small shadows or spots that move in the field of view. They usually do not pose a danger, but can be annoying. If the number of flies suddenly increased or flashes of light appeared, you must urgently consult a doctor, as this can be a sign of retinal detachment.

III. Eye diseases associated with age:

In addition to natural changes, the risk of serious eye diseases increases with age, which can lead to a significant deterioration in vision or even blindness. Regular examinations of an ophthalmologist allow you to identify these diseases at an early stage and begin timely treatment.

• Cataract: The clouding of the lens of the eye, which leads to a gradual vision of vision. Vision becomes blurry, as if you were looking through dirty glass. Cataract is one of the most common causes of blindness in the world, but it can be successfully treated with surgically. During the operation to remove cataracts, a clouded lens is replaced by artificial, which allows you to restore good vision.

• Glaucoma: A group of diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve, which leads to a gradual loss of vision. Glaucoma often develops asymptomatic in the early stages, so it is called a “quiet thief of vision.” Regular measurement of intraocular pressure and the inspection of the optic nerve allow you to identify glaucoma at an early stage and begin treatment, which can stop or slow down the progression of the disease. Treatment of glaucoma may include eye drops, laser therapy or surgery.

• Age macular degeneration (VMD): The disease affecting the macula is the central part of the retina, which is responsible for acute vision. The VMD leads to a gradual loss of central vision, which complicates reading, driving a car and recognition of faces. There are two forms of VMD: dry and wet. The dry form of the VMD progresses more slowly and is characterized by the appearance of a friend – yellowish deposits under the retina. The wet form of the VMD is characterized by the growth of new blood vessels under the retina, which can bleed and lead to a rapid visual impairment. There are methods of treatment of a wet form of VMD, which can slow down the progression of the disease and maintain vision.

• Diabetic retinopathy: The complication of diabetes, which affects the blood vessels of the retina. Diabetic retinopathy can lead to hemorrhages, retinal swelling and the formation of new blood vessels, which can lead to a significant deterioration in vision or blindness. Regular control of blood sugar and examinations of an ophthalmologist allow you to detect diabetic retinopathy at an early stage and begin treatment, which can prevent or slow down the progression of the disease. Treatment of diabetic retinopathy may include laser therapy, injections of drugs in the eye or surgical intervention.

IV. Prevention of age -related vision changes:

Preventive measures play an important role in maintaining the health of the eyes and maintaining good vision in old age.

• Regular examinations by an ophthalmologist: It is recommended to undergo an examination by an ophthalmologist at least once a year, especially after 60 years. This allows you to identify eye diseases at an early stage and begin timely treatment. During the examination, the doctor checks visual acuity, measures intraocular pressure, examines the retina and visual nerve.

• Healthy lifestyle: Healthy nutrition, regular physical exercises and rejection of smoking contribute to maintaining the health of the whole body, including eyes.

• Proper nutrition: A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals is necessary for the health of the eyes. Include fruits, vegetables, especially dark green leafy vegetables, fish, rich omega-3 fatty acids, and nuts in your diet.

• Eye protection from ultraviolet radiation: Wear sunglasses with protection against UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of sunlight. Ultraviolet radiation can contribute to the development of cataracts and the VMD.

• Control of chronic diseases: If you have chronic diseases, such as diabetes or hypertension, it is important to carefully control them in order to prevent complications that can affect vision.

• Refusal of smoking: Smoking increases the risk of cataracts, VMD and other eye diseases.

• Correct lighting: Provide sufficient lighting when reading, working at a computer and other activities requiring visual tension. Avoid a sharp contrast between the illumination of the working surface and the surrounding space.

• Air moisture: Use a humidifier, especially in winter to prevent dry eyes.

• Breaks when working at a computer: Take regular breaks when working at the computer to give your eyes to rest. Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen and look at objects located at a distance of at least 6 meters for 20 seconds (rule 20-20-20). It is also useful to do eye exercises.

V. Diet for the health of the eyes:

Proper nutrition plays an important role in maintaining the health of the eyes and the prevention of age -related diseases of vision.

• Lutein and Zeaxanthin: These antioxidants contained in dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and cabbage, protect the retina from damage by free radicals and ultraviolet radiation.

• Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that helps protect the eyes from damage to free radicals. Good sources of vitamin C – citrus fruits, berries, pepper and broccoli.

• Vitamin E: Another antioxidant that helps protect the eyes from damage to free radicals. Good sources of vitamin E – nuts, seeds, vegetable oils and avocados.

• Zinc: It is necessary for the normal functioning of the retina and optic nerve. Good sources of zinc – meat, poultry, seafood, legumes and nuts.

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Important to the health of retina and preventing dry eyes. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are oily fish, such as salmon, tuna and herring, as well as linen seeds and walnuts.

• Vitamin A: It is necessary for the normal functioning of the retina and adaptation of vision to darkness. Good sources of vitamin A – carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and liver.

VI. Eye exercises:

Regular eye exercises help improve blood circulation, strengthen the eye muscles and relieve tension.

• Morgatya: Regular blinking helps moisturize your eyes and prevent dryness.

• Eye movement: Smoothly move your eyes up and down, right and right and in a circle.

• Focusing: Focus your eyes on a close object, and then look at the distant object. Repeat several times.

• Massage eyelids: Massage the eyelids for several minutes with light circular motions.

• Palming: Close your eyes with your palms to completely block the light. Stay in this position for several minutes so that your eyes relax.

VII. Adaptation to visual impairment:

If vision has worsened, it is important to adapt to new conditions and use auxiliary means to maintain the quality of life.

• Glasses or contact lenses: Contact an ophthalmologist for selecting glasses or contact lenses that will help adjust your vision.

• Lups: Use small -font reads.

• Increased font: Install an increased font on a computer, phone and other devices.

• Audiobook: Listen to audiobooks instead of reading.

• Good lighting: Provide good lighting in the house, especially in places where you read, work or cook.

• Contrast colors: Use contrasting colors in the house to facilitate orientation. For example, use dark rugs on a light floor.

• Adaptation skills training: Contact specialized centers that offer training skills to adapt to visual impairment.

VIII. Medical procedures and treatment:

Different medical procedures and treatment can be prescribed depending on the disease and the degree of its progression.

• Medication: Eye drops, ointments and tablets can be prescribed for the treatment of glaucomas, dry eyes, infections and other diseases.

• Laser therapy: Laser therapy can be used to treat glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and the IDMD.

• Surgical intervention: Surgical intervention may be necessary for the treatment of cataracts, glaucomas, retinal detachment and other serious diseases.

• Injections of drugs in the eye: Injections of drugs in the eye can be used to treat a wet form of VMD and diabetic macular edema.

IX. Auxiliary tools and technologies:

There are many auxiliary means and technologies that can help people with weakened vision maintain independence and quality of life.

• Anti -reflective glasses: Reduce glare and improve vision when working at the computer and driving a car.

• Electronic lups: Increase text and images on the screen.

• Reading programs from the screen: Read the text aloud.

• Speech recognition programs: Allow you to control the computer and other devices in the voice.

• Valuative glasses: They help read a small font and consider small items.

• Special hours and phones with large numbers: Facilitate reading time and set of phone numbers.

• Canes and other means for orientation: They help people with weakened vision safely move in space.

X. Psychological support:

Vision deterioration can be stressful and traumatic experience. It is important to get psychological support in order to cope with emotional difficulties and adapt to new conditions.

• Conversation with family and friends: Tell your loved ones about your problems and ask them about support.

• Support groups: Join the support group with weakened vision to share their experience and get support from others.

• Psychologist consultation: Contact a psychologist or psychotherapist to get professional help in overcoming emotional difficulties.

XI. Alternative treatment methods:

Some people use alternative treatment methods to maintain eye health. However, it is important to discuss these methods with a doctor before starting to use them.

• Acupuncture: Some studies show that acupuncture can help improve vision with glaucoma and other diseases.

• Herbal additives: Some herbs, such as blueberries and mayor, are traditionally used to maintain the health of the eyes.

• Yoga for the eyes: Some yoga exercises can help improve blood circulation and relax the eye muscles.

XII. Questions for discussion with a doctor:

When visiting an ophthalmologist, it is important to ask all the questions you are interested in in order to get complete information about the state of your eyes and possible methods of treatment.

• What is the state of my eyes?

• What changes have occurred in my vision?

• What diseases of the eyes do I have?

• What are my treatment options?

• What side effects can occur during treatment?

• What auxiliary tools and technologies can help me?

• How often do I need to visit an ophthalmologist?

XIII. Vision care for various diseases:

Vision care requires an individual approach depending on a specific eye disease.

• Cataract: Regular examinations at an ophthalmologist to control the progression of cataracts. Using glasses for vision correction. Consideration of the possibility of surgical removal of cataracts with a significant deterioration in vision.

• Glaucoma: Regular measurement of intraocular pressure and inspection of the optic nerve. Compliance with the treatment regimen prescribed by a doctor, including the use of eye drops. Avoiding factors that increase intraocular pressure, such as weight lifting and using a large amount of fluid at a time.

• Age macular degeneration (VMD): Regular self -testing of vision using the amceler grid to identify changes in central vision. Compliance with diet, rich in antioxidants, lutein and zeaxantin. Consideration of the possibility of treating a wet form of VMD using injections of drugs in the eye. Using auxiliary tools to improve vision.

• Diabetic retinopathy: Strict control of blood sugar. Regular examinations at an ophthalmologist to identify signs of diabetic retinopathy. Compliance with the treatment regimen prescribed by a doctor, including laser therapy or injections of drugs in the eye.

XIV. Myths and misconceptions about vision:

There are many myths and misconceptions about vision. It is important to know the truth in order to make the right decisions about your health.

• Myth: Reading in weak light spoils vision.

  • Fact: Reading in weak light can cause fatigue of the eyes, but does not spoil vision.

• Myth: Work at the computer spoils vision.

  • Fact: Work at the computer can cause eye fatigue and dry eyes, but does not spoil vision. Regular breaks and proper lighting help reduce the load on the eyes.

• Myth: Carrots improves vision.

  • Fact: Carrots contains vitamin A, which is necessary for the health of the eyes, but it cannot improve vision if you have no vitamin A.

• Myth: Wearing glasses worsens vision.

  • Fact: Wearing glasses does not worsen vision. Glasses adjust vision and allow you to see more clearly.

• Myth: The operation to remove cataracts is dangerous.

  • Fact: The cataract removal surgery is a safe and effective procedure that allows you to restore good vision.

XV. Research and innovation in the field of ophthalmology:

Ophthalmology is an actively developing area of ​​medicine in which new studies are constantly conducted and innovative treatment methods are being developed.

• Gene therapy: Gene therapy can be used to treat hereditary retinal diseases.

• Artificial retina: Artificial retina can help restore vision to people who have lost it due to damage to the retina.

• New drugs: New drugs are being developed for the treatment of glaucoma, VMD and other eyes of the eyes.

• Advanced surgical methods: Advanced surgical methods for the treatment of cataracts, glaucomas and other eyes of the eyes are developed.

XVI. Resources and organizations offering assistance to people with weakened vision:

There are many resources and organizations that offer help to people with weakened vision.

• National organizations: Organizations that provide information, support and services to people with weakened vision at the national level.

• Local organizations: Organizations that provide information, support and services to people with weakened vision at the local level.

• Specialized centers: Centers that offer training skills to adapt to visual impairment, consultations and other services.

• Online resources: Websites, forums and social networks that provide information, support and the ability to communicate with other people with weakened vision.

XVII. The role of family and friends in vision:

Family and friends play an important role in the care of the vision of the elderly.

• Help in organizing visits to a doctor: Supporting to the doctor, help in filling out documents and memorizing the doctor’s recommendations.

• Support for compliance with the treatment regimen: A reminder of drug taking, help in performing eye exercises.

• Ensuring a safe and comfortable environment: Improving lighting, eliminating obstacles, using contrasting colors.

• Support for the use of auxiliary and technology: Training in the use of magnifiers, electronic magnifiers, reading programs from the screen and other auxiliary tools.

• Emotional support: Listening, sympathy, support in overcoming emotional difficulties.

XVIII. Final recommendations:

• Do not neglect regular examinations with an ophthalmologist.

• Lead a healthy lifestyle.

• Ask correctly.

• Protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation.

• Control chronic diseases.

• Refuse smoking.

• Provide the correct lighting.

• Moisturize the air.

• Take breaks when working at the computer.

• Use auxiliary means and technology if necessary.

• Get psychological support.

• Discuss all issues regarding your vision, with a doctor.

XIX. Dictionary of Termines:

• Accommodation: The ability of the eye to focus on objects located at different distance.

• Intraocular pressure: The pressure of the fluid inside the eye.

• Glaucoma: A group of diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve.

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