It's National Eye Exam Month! The health of our eyes becomes increasingly important as we reach our senior years, especially when it comes to enjoying favorite activities like reading. There's nothing quite as relaxing as settling down with a good book. If your much-loved pastime is interrupted by eye strain, know that there are steps you can take to mitigate the issue and manage it effectively.
Understanding Eye Strain in Seniors
Eye strain, also known as asthenopia, typically presents as a discomfort in the eyes. Symptoms may include dryness, burning, itchiness, blurry vision, or even headaches. The reality is, as we get older, our eyes naturally lose some of their flexibility and lubrication, making us more susceptible to eye strain, especially when doing close-up tasks like reading.
Causes of Eye Strain While Reading
The most common causes of eye strain include:
Poor Lighting
One common cause of eye strain is poor lighting. When the lighting is either too dim or too bright, our eyes have to work harder to make sense of the text, leading to fatigue and discomfort.
Need for New Prescription Glasses
Another cause can be incorrect prescription glasses. Using old prescription glasses or glasses not designed for reading can put a lot of pressure on your eyes. You want to ensure that you have the right prescription to not only improve your clarity of vision but also make reading a much more enjoyable experience.
Preventing and Managing Eye Strain in Seniors
Regular eye exams are like preventive maintenance for your eyes. They not only help detect eye problems at early stages when they're most treatable but also ensure that your prescription glasses are up-to-date. If you're experiencing eye strain, you should check in with your optometrist.
Don't forget to adjust your reading environment too. You want the lighting to be sufficient and comfortable, and be mindful of taking frequent breaks. Following the 20-20-20 rule can be very helpful: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Importance of Reading for Seniors
Reading is a beautiful activity for seniors. It keeps the mind engaged, reduces stress, and can even boost sleep quality. You don't want to let eye strain hinder your love for reading. With a little care and the right preventive measures, you can enjoy your favorite books without discomfort.
Senior Helpers Lake Minnetonka and Surrounding Areas Provide Transportation to Eye Exam Appointments
Maintaining eye health and staying on top of eye exams is a key part of enjoying your golden years to the fullest, especially when reading is a beloved pastime. Remember, experiencing eye strain doesn't mean you have to give up reading. You need to have up-to-date glasses and take steps to prevent and manage eye strain.
When you need assistance with daily activities or transportation to appointments, Senior Helpers Lake Minnetonka and Surrounding Areas is always here to help. Don't hesitate to reach out to us wherever you are in Minneapolis, Osseo, Excelsior, Wayzata, Chaska, or any of the nearby areas.