Senior citizens who love playing online games, reading a Kindle, watching television, and reading physical books, among other activities, may experience eye strain at some point. Eye strain is basically tired eyes and occurs due to the intense use of eyes for extended periods. The condition is uncomfortable but usually temporary.
Seniors should adopt lifestyle changes and healthy habits to prevent eye strain and continue enjoying their hobbies. Here are tips seniors can use to protect their eyes and reduce the risk of eye strain. This is an essential consideration, especially for seniors whose eyes are already vulnerable to vision difficulties, blue light, and stress.
Ensure there is Proper Lighting
Proper lighting in a room will improve the senior's comfort and performance while reading books, watching television, and reading a Kindle, among other hobbies. This eliminates the annoyance of visual fatigue and helps the seniors enjoy what they are doing without straining.
It is essential to consider equal brightness throughout the room. If there is excessive lighting from windows, it is best to filter the light with blinds. Remove some lighting bulbs to diminish intense fluorescent lights.
Take Regular Breaks between Hobbies
Staring at a screen, whether television or computer, for hours can affect eye muscles when finally off the screen. This may cause eye strain and take time for the eyes to relax completely. Seniors should take breaks every 20 minutes after constantly looking at the screen to help the eye muscles refocus.
Adjust Text Size
Senior adults may strain if the texts on the screen are too small when playing online games, virtual Sudoku, or reading a Kindle. It is essential to adjust the text or zoom out to read what is on the screen without straining. The setting control can help in making proper adjustments for the proper text size, depending on the size of the room and the screen brightness.
To Reduce the Risk of Eye Strain, Get Enough Rest and Sleep
Taking on different hobbies consistently without rest can strain the eyes. Tired eyes are already compromised, which strains the eyes even more, when seniors continue woodworking, knitting, sewing, reading books, watching, or playing games.
To refocus, seniors should rest and sleep for a few minutes or even an hour or more. Rest and sleep support healthy eyes and vision and improve overall health and emotional well-being for seniors.
Proper Eyewear for Seniors
For seniors using screens for an extended period, wearing protective lenses is a great way to protect their eyes from strain. This may be a comfortable way to watch TV or play computer games. However, the lenses should have the correct prescription and be designed for computer users to avoid strain. An antireflection layer may reduce eye strain.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy and balanced diet is good for the eyes and general health of a senior loved one. Maintaining a healthy diet and taking plenty of water for hydration is important. Seniors should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Carrots contain beta-carotene that is converted to vitamin A when consumed. This promotes eye health and good vision for senior citizens. Other vegetables that are good sources of vitamin A are pumpkins, squash, and sweet potatoes.
Help a Senior Loved One Get Tailored Homecare
Seniors need close care and attention. Seeking help from a homecare provider can help a senior loved one stay a fulfilled life as they enjoy their hobbies. Senior Helpers Murrells Inlet has certified and well-trained nurses who care for senior adults and help them live comfortably. If you are looking for home care for your senior loved one in Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, Little River, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, and Georgetown, we can help. Contact us, Senior Helpers Murrells Inlet, for a free consultation.