Eye Care Tips as You Retire in The Suncoast

For generations, Florida has been among the most popular states for retirees to settle down in. According to recent retirement surveys, nearly 80,000 retirees aged 60 and older migrated to the Sunshine State in a single year. This is due to the many perks that the state has to offer, including the sixth-lowest tax burden in the country. More specifically, though, the Suncoast remains among the most beloved destinations for retirees. 

A U.S. News and World Report study even put Sarasota as the “best place to retire” for people aged at least 65 for two years in a row. This is unsurprising, given that the Suncoast is blessed with a consistently warm and balmy climate, along with the most days of sunshine across the region annually.

Of course, not all that glitter is gold. While all this sun and sand creates a calm, nearly tropical paradise, it also means that temperatures, humidity, and UV radiation are also more pronounced. For older adults whose health includes weaker eyes, this can spell serious ocular issues that can negatively color retirement if left unattended. With this, it pays to keep simple but effective eye care tips in mind as you settle down for your Golden years in the Suncoast.

Take regular eye tests

The University of Michigan and the AARP once revealed that up to 18% of respondents aged 50+ hadn’t had a routine eye test in over three years. Aging eyes are more susceptible to disorders that can impair healing and function, meaning more frequent tests are needed to ensure any issues are caught early and treated before serious losses occur. This includes diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts, which are common among seniors and unlikely to cause symptoms until vision loss sets. In sun-soaked regions, the risk of these is even higher since UV damage can hurt the eyes.

Therefore, to avoid any serious issues regarding your vision, it’s important to go in for regular, voluntary eye exams. These don’t have to drain your precious resources, like time, energy, or money, as most are now available across accessible platforms. This includes chain retailers such as Target Optica, where independent doctors of optometry lead and analyze the tests. Available to book online and complete in a relatively short period at your nearest location, the exams ensure your eyes are in top shape so nothing sneaks up on you.

Wear your sunglasses when outdoors

UV damage is a serious ocular issue. While it can affect anyone, seniors are typically more vulnerable, given that aging, extended medical history and the likelihood of already being under certain medications make the eyes UV-sensitive. As the AAO explains, certain antibiotics and surgeries tend to affect the eyes’ lenses, which are otherwise the body’s natural filter against the offending rays. To make up for this, it’s therefore best to use sunglasses on a regular basis. Regardless of whether it’s a clearly sunny sky or cloudy and downcast, these protective eyewear safeguard your eyes from up to 100% UV rays.

For older adults with vision impairments, prescription versions are also available from brands like Oakley and Ray-Ban. For additional coverage, you can also opt to wear shades in a wraparound silhouette. This ensures that there are fewer chances of sunlight entering your eyes, potentially still causing damage. Such a style can also help protect you from painful glare that can cause issues like falls or headaches. Just make sure that the shades you buy are appropriate for the beach or driving since certain materials are not compatible with seawater, and some lenses are not suitable for driving.

Keep your eyes well-lubricated

Finally, just as you ensure your body is hydrated under the sun, you should maintain your eyes’ lubrication. In hot temperatures, the eyes are likely to dry out because it causes any natural moisture to evaporate too quickly. As it is, dry eyes are already among the most common ocular challenges among older adults, whose tear production and quality may already be waning. Over time, dry eyes are not only uncomfortable, but they also lead to more serious problems like corneal abrasions and infections. With this, eye drops like Tears Naturale can help by mimicking actual tears. Since this is specially made to treat dry eyes caused by factors like the sun and heat, it can help soothe and support eye functions.

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