Due to the aging process, people's visual or ocular health experiences some declines that result in a higher probability of eye diseases that affect the quality of life and the performance of daily tasks.
In Costa Rica there are approximately 279,000 thousand people suffering from some disability associated with eye problems, in which those resulting from untreated cataracts and Diabetes Mellitus stand out (Ministry of Health, 2018); and 81% of these conditions globally are experienced by the older adult population (WHO, 2017).
The most common visual problems affecting the older adult population are usually: presbyopia, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy (Fonseca et al., 2019). Some of the causes of eye diseases are: infections due to bacteria, genetic factors and tissue damage due to the aging process (Daniel Perera: Centro Oftalmológico, n, f).
Four recommendations taken from American Academy Of Ophthalmology (2016) are as follows:
1. Consuming foods that benefit the eye health of the elderly
Fruits, vegetables and whole grains definitely cannot be missing in the diet of an older adult. In addition, to take care of the eyes, it is recommended to consume foods rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin; such as fish, salmon, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, seeds, among others.
2. Ophthalmologic checkups
Specialists indicate that after the age of 65, people should have an ophthalmologic checkup every year or every two years at the most.
3. To have control of chronic diseases
Medical control of blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels is important to prevent eye diseases related to abnormal levels of these three parameters.
4. Protect eyes from solar radiation
Not taking precautions when exposed to the sun can increase the risk of developing an eye disease. For this reason, it is recommended that when older adults go outdoors, they wear sunglasses with ultraviolet protection and some type of cap or hat that limits exposure to the sun's rays.
Bibliographic references
American Academy Of Ophthalmology (2016). Seven habits to protect vision and help older adults maintain independence. Retrieved from: https://www.aao.org/salud-ocular/consejos/siete-h%C3%A1bitos-para-proteger-la-visi%C3%B3n-y-ayudar-que
Fonseca Borges, Tania, Gil Morales, Liz Marian, Ruiz Vega, Yipsi (2019). Social impact of visual care in geriatric people. Conrado, 15(69), 425-428. Epub September 02, 2019. Retrieved September 13, 2022, from. http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1990-86442019000400425&lng=es&tlng=es.
Ministry of Health (2018) Costa Rica committed to reducing blindness and visual impairment. Retrieved from: https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/prensa/44-noticias-2018/360-costa-rica-comprometida-con-la-disminucion-de-la-ceguera-y-las-deficiencias-visuales-evitables
WHO. 2017. Blindness and visual ability, Fact sheet No 282. October 2017. Available at: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs282/es/
