Our eyes become more susceptible to various health issues as we get older. This makes eye protection even more vital. One practical and straightforward way to protect our eyes is by wearing sunglasses for seniors.Senior Helpers Central Long Island is here to help promote eye health among retirees.
Why UV Protection for Older Adults Matter
UV rays from the sun can damage the eyes over time. These harmful rays can lead to several eye conditions. Seniors, in particular, have an increased vulnerability to eye issues like cataracts and macular degeneration.Cataracts can make vision cloudy, and macular degeneration can cause a loss of central vision. Both conditions can severely affect daily life. Wearing dark glasses that block UV rays helps prevent these conditions and keep eyes healthy in the long term.
Choosing the Right Sunglasses for Seniors
Not all suspects are created equal. Here are some things to look for:
- Ensure your sunnies offer 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays.
- You can choose between polarized, photochromic, and mirrored lenses. Polarized lenses reduce glare, photochromic lenses adjust to lighting conditions, and mirrored lenses reflect sunlight.
- The frames of your glasses should be comfortable, fit well, and suit your style. They should not pinch your nose or press on your temples.
- If you wear prescription glasses, consider getting prescription sunnies or clip-on lenses that can be attached to your existing glasses.
Tips for Making Shades a Daily Habit
It is wise to turn wearing sunglasses for seniors into a daily habit. Here are a few tips that can help you do that:
- Place them in easy-to-reach spots like by the door, in your handbag, or the car.
- Use alarms or notes on the door to remind yourself to grab your dark glasses before heading out.
- Make it a habit to wear sunspecs whenever stepping outside, regardless of the weather. UV rays can be harmful even on cloudy days.
- Ask family members or caregivers to remind you to wear your shades before leaving the house.
How to Overcome Common Barriers
Many seniors hesitate to wear sunglasses due to various reasons. Here are some tips to overcome these challenges:
- Explore budget-friendly sunglasses with complete UV protection.
- Consider clip-on UV lenses or prescription sunglasses for those who wear glasses.
- Experiment with different frames and seek professional help from an optician to find the perfect fit.
- Understand the importance of sun protection and the potential risks of not wearing sunglasses.
Senior Helpers Cares About Senior Eye Health
Senior Helpers offers personalized, in-home senior care services with the health and happiness of our community's seniors in mind. If you live in the Massapequa, Hicksville, Great Neck, or Valley Stream areas, contact us anytime at Senior Helpers Central Long Island. We are here to help you protect your eyes and enjoy the quality of life you deserve