10 tips to protect eyes and prevent vision loss in older people

With growing age, the eyes of our loved ones require special attention failing, which can lead to blindness and vision problems. It is common knowledge that the risk of eye diseases rises significantly with age. India is already grappling with severe eye problems in population, with 7.9 crore people having vision impairment and nearly 13.7 crore have near vision loss.We must highlight how we can protect the vision of our elderly family members and help them lead healthier lives.
Why Aging Affects Vision
Ageing affects almost every body part, and the eyes are no exception. This is because the structure and function of the eyes are affected, which increases the risk of various eye conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that most people with vision impairment and blindness are over 50 years old.
The common age-related eye problems include:
Cataracts- Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness worldwide, with over 9.4 crore people suffering from this disease globally. In this disease, the eye’s natural lens is clouded, which leads to blurry or cloudy vision. Cataract patients cannot see properly, which affects their day-to-day activities.
Glaucoma: India has around 1.12 crore people over 40 and above who have glaucoma. The serious issue is that only 20 per cent of glaucoma patients are aware of it. This means the actual numbers may be higher, as over 70 per cent of cases go undiagnosed. In this disease, the optic nerve is damaged due to increased pressure in the eye. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness.

Age-related macular degeneration: Globally, 17 crore people suffer from dry age-related macular degeneration. Out of this 17 crore, four crore people are from India. In this disease, the central part of the retina gets affected. This portion of the retina is responsible for sharp vision, and when it changes, it makes reading, driving, or recognizing faces very difficult. As per the data, geographic atrophy, a more severe form of this illness, is one of the leading causes of legal blindness in adults over 50.
Diabetic Retinopathy: More than 39 lakh people all over the world are suffering frm diabetic retinopathy. This happens when diabetes damages the blood vessels in the retina, leading to the loss of vision and even blindness if not controlled.
Recognizing Symptoms Early
Early detection is the key to preventing severe vision loss. Family members should always look out for the following symptoms, which indicate the onset of age-related eye conditions:

If any of these symptoms are observed, the family must take their elders to an ophthalmologist immediately
Practical Tips to Protect Eyes and Prevent Vision Loss
Ageing cannot be prevented, but there are several steps we can take to protect the vision of our older loved ones:
1. Regular Eye Check-ups: There should be regular eye checks for older people every six months. Early detection of cataracts, glaucoma, and other conditions can prevent irreversible damage.
2. Control Chronic Conditions: In older age, managing diabetes, hypertension, and other health conditions is essential as they directly affect the eyes. Diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma are often caused due to poor control of these diseases.
3. Wear Sunglasses: Seniors in the family should be encouraged to wear UV-protective sunglasses to shield their eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. UV rays can lead to cataracts and other eye problems.
4. Maintain a Healthy Diet: It is essential to take a diet rich in leafy greens, fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids to properly nourish eye health. Nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc help protect against age-related macular degeneration in the elderly.
5. Avoid Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration in people over 50. Elders in the family must be encouraged to quit smoking. This will reduce their risk of developing severe eye conditions.
6. Stay Active: Regular physical activity improves overall health, including eye health. Exercise helps manage blood pressure, reduce the risk of diabetes, and promote eye circulation. Hence, people over 50 should exercise daily, at least for 30 minutes.
7. Use Corrective Eyewear: The family members should ensure that older adults have the right prescription glasses or contact lenses. Low vision aids such as magnifying glasses can also help those with advanced conditions.
8. Limit Screen Time: Extended screen time strains ageing eyes. Therefore, older people should be encouraged to take breaks from digital devices. Family members should also ensure that there are the right lighting conditions to reduce strain.
9. Monitor Medications: Some medications can cause vision side effects. It is, therefore important to review prescriptions with a doctor to ensure they are not causing or exacerbating eye problems.
10. Proper lighting: Older adults should have well-lit environments to reduce eye strain, especially during activities like reading or sewing. Adequate lighting helps prevent unnecessary strain and promotes better visual comfort, reducing the risk of eye fatigue.
On World Elders Day, let’s prioritize the eye health of our older loved ones. We can do this by taking preventive steps against age-related vision loss. We can protect their vision with timely intervention, regular check-ups, and a focus on a healthy lifestyle. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking professional care are the most important actions to ensure that their precious sight is preserved for as long as possible.
(Dr. Jay Goyal, Eye Surgeon, LASIK and Retina Specialist, and Director at Surya Eye Hospital, Mumbai)