February 23, 2024
March is Save Your Vision Month and as the weather gets warmer it’s a good time to remind seniors that they should be wearing sunglasses all year long. Sunglasses can help seniors protect their eyes from UV damage as well as other irritants.
Because seniors are susceptible to age-related vision problems and eye damage it’s even more important for seniors to take eye protection seriously. If your senior parent has elder care, an elder care provider can make sure that your senior parent always wears sunglasses when they go out. They can also make sure that your senior parent has sunglasses easily available in purses, jacket pockets, in the car, and stashed away wherever they might need a pair.
The sun emits harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage the eyes over time, leading to various eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea). Seniors, whose eyes may have experienced prolonged exposure to UV radiation throughout their lives, are particularly vulnerable to these effects.
Wearing sunglasses with UV protection year-round helps shield seniors’ eyes from the sun’s harmful rays, reducing the risk of developing UV-related eye conditions and preserving their long-term eye health.
Glare from sunlight reflecting off surfaces such as snow, water, or pavement can be especially damaging for seniors, particularly those with age-related vision changes or conditions like cataracts.
Glare can cause discomfort, eye strain, and temporary vision impairment, making it difficult for seniors to see clearly and navigate their surroundings safely.
By wearing high-quality sunglasses year-round seniors can minimize glare and improve visibility. This will protect their eyes and reduce the risk of accidents or falls that could occur from low vision or depth perception errors caused by glare.
Sunglasses act as a barrier against various environmental elements that can irritate or harm the eyes. In windy or dusty conditions, airborne particles can cause irritation, dryness, or even abrasions on the delicate surface of the eyes.
Sunglasses with wraparound frames or close-fitting designs help shield seniors’ eyes from wind, dust, pollen, and other debris, providing additional comfort and protection year-round.
Seniors may spend more time outdoors engaging in leisure activities or pursuing hobbies during retirement leading to lots of time outdoors in the sun. Seniors that spend hours outdoors in the sun have an increased risk of eye strain, eye fatigue, and eye discomfort. Wearing sunglasses will allow seniors to have fun in the sun without hurting their eyes.
Snow, water, sand, and other reflective surfaces can intensify the sun’s rays, increasing the risk of UV exposure and glare-related discomfort. Seniors who enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing, boating, or beach outings are particularly susceptible to these effects. Wearing sunglasses with polarized lenses year-round helps seniors better manage the glare and UV reflection from these surfaces, enhancing their visual comfort and safety during outdoor adventures.
As individuals age, the natural lens of the eye becomes less efficient at filtering out UV rays and blue light, increasing the susceptibility to UV-related eye damage and discomfort. By consistently wearing sunglasses year-round, seniors can help preserve their vision, minimize the risk of eye-related conditions, and maintain overall eye comfort and well-being.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Elder Care in Bloomfield, PA, please contact the caring staff at In-Home Quality Care today. Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area since 1990! Call 412-421-5202
