Almost 30% of seniors aged 71 or older have some kind of visual impairment, according to the University of Michigan.
As people age in Huntington, it's natural for their vision to change. Often, these changes begin slowly. Perhaps you find yourself holding a book farther away or squinting at a recipe that once was easy to read.
Such moments may seem small, but they can signal the need for reading glasses. How do you know if you need reading glasses? Read on to learn about preserving senior eye health and maintaining independence.
One of the most obvious red flags involves having blurred vision when looking at objects that are near. It's usually a sign of presbyopia, a condition that happens when the eye's inner lens has less flexibility. It often starts around age 40 and becomes more noticeable over time.
You might find yourself struggling to read:
Many people instinctively hold items farther away to bring them into clearer focus. It's a classic behavior that's a major sign of reading difficulty. If your arms don't feel "long enough" anymore, it may be time to schedule an eye exam and explore the benefits of reading glasses.
Do you want more eye wellness tips? If so, make a habit of using good lighting when reading or doing close-up work. Soft, natural light or LED reading lamps reduce strain and improve clarity.
When your eyes are working harder to see up close, they can become strained. You may notice tired eyes, soreness, or even tension headaches after reading or doing other close-up activities like:
Such discomfort often builds gradually and can interfere with everyday tasks.
If you're experiencing frequent headaches that seem to stem from visual tasks, reading glasses may help alleviate the strain. Uncorrected presbyopia forces your eyes to overcompensate, which puts unnecessary stress on your vision system.
Do you know the 20-20-20 rule? It's a nifty way to give your peepers a little break. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Needing brighter light to read and complete tasks is one of the most common signs of vision decline. You might notice that once-comfortable lighting feels inadequate, even in the same setting you've used for years. It can be especially frustrating in the evenings when natural light is limited.
It's normal for the eyes to require more light with age. The lenses in our eyes become denser over time, letting less light in and making it harder to focus on nearby objects. Reading glasses with the correct prescription can help reduce this dependence by making close-up tasks easier and less fatiguing.
Set up task lighting in areas where you do the following:
Lamps with adjustable necks and warm-toned bulbs can make a huge difference in clarity.
Do you notice it takes longer for your eyes to shift focus when looking from a book to the television or from your phone to someone across the room? Reduced flexibility in focus is another hallmark of aging and eyesight changes.
When presbyopia sets in, the eyes take more time to refocus between distances. If you've started moving your glasses on and off to accommodate different activities, reading glasses or multifocal lenses can be an effective solution.
Routine vision exams are important even if you already wear glasses. Prescriptions change with age, and keeping them current ensures your eyes aren't working harder than they need to.
Perhaps the most overlooked sign is behavioral. Many people unconsciously begin to avoid activities they once enjoyed because of growing reading difficulty. Whether it's a favorite book, a crossword puzzle, or following instructions on a medicine bottle, avoidance can be an early warning sign that vision changes are interfering with daily life.
In communities like Huntington, IN, maintaining engagement and enjoyment of everyday activities is a staple part of senior eye health. Reading glasses can restore access to hobbies and responsibilities, helping older adults stay mentally sharp and socially connected.
Don't ignore changes in habits. If someone you care about stops reading or frequently asks for help with close-up tasks, encourage them to get an eye checkup.
For seniors in Huntington, prioritizing eye wellness tips can lead to a more active and meaningful lifestyle. Simple habits like getting regular eye exams, using proper lighting, and wearing the right glasses can make a major difference.
In some cases, vision changes may point to more serious conditions. Examples include the following:
That's why it's crucial not to assume blurry vision is always just a normal part of aging.
In senior living communities such as Tipton Place Assisted Living in Huntington, IN, residents benefit from environments that support overall wellness, including senior eye health. From well-lit common areas to assistance with reading materials or medication management, the community setting promotes safety, clarity, and independence.
Whether you're exploring senior living for yourself or a loved one, it's helpful to know that professionals are available to support changing needs, including those related to vision. With access to care and encouragement to stay engaged in hobbies and conversation, older adults can thrive even as their eyesight evolves.
Has anyone ever asked you, "How do you know if you need reading glasses?" Be sure to explain the above five tips to them.
Tipton Place Assisted Living is a community where seniors can be looked after while still living as independently as possible. Our senior solutions are based on each resident's specific needs. We also offer amenities and services that make aging a delight, including wellness glasses, delicious meals, and even local outings.
Be sure to stop by Tipton Place Assisted Living for a no-strings-attached tour today.