Aging & Your Eyes

The Raritan Valley YMCA (www.raritanvalleyymca.org) has teamed up with the Middlesex County Office of Aging & Disabled Services at 732-745-3295 to increase public awareness of services and opportunities for county seniors, the disabled, and their caregivers.

As you age, it is normal to notice changes in your vision. A few common changes that older adults may experience include losing the ability to see up close, having trouble distinguishing colors, such as blue from black. Also, older adults may need more time to adjust to changing levels of light.

These issues can be easily corrected with glasses, contact lenses, and improved lighting. Although, as you grow older there is a greater risk for some eye diseases and conditions. For example, eye problems can lead to vision loss and blindness in older adults.

Some diseases and conditions that can develop are:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): can harm the sharp, central vision needed to see objects clearly and to do common things like driving and reading.
• Cataracts: cloudy areas in the eye’s lens causing blurred or hazy vision.
• Dry eye: occurs when tear glands do not work well. You may feel stinging or burning, a sandy feeling as if something is in the eye, or discomfort.

There are some ways you can take good care of your eyes and help keep them healthy as you age. This includes protecting your eyes from sunlight by wearing sunglasses, stop smoking, making smart food choices, maintaining normal blood pressure, and managing diabetes.

For general health information and area wide programs and services for senior citizens and disabled persons residing in the county visit https://www.middlesexcountynj....

For exercise class schedules and membership information stop by the YMCA at 144 Tices lane or call 732-257-4114