Celebrate Healthy Vision Month in Peoria
According to Modern Retina, approximately 25% of adults in the United States aged 71 and older experience vision impairments.
As we approach Healthy Vision Month, you may wonder how to celebrate it, especially if vision loss makes daily life harder. Grooming, housework, and other simple tasks may become frustrating. If you need help with these activities, consider moving to Heartis Peoria.
Located in Peoria, Illinois, Heartis Peoria offers personalized care, help with meals, medication, and daily routines. Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals, fitness classes, and beautiful apartments.
The community includes salons, walking paths, a theater, and more. Keep reading to discover ways you can celebrate Healthy Vision Month in Peoria.
Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam
A complete eye exam helps detect problems like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration early, before they begin affecting your daily life. A comprehensive check includes more than just a vision test.
Your doctor will check:
- The health of your retina
- Eye pressure levels
- How well do your eyes work together
- The clarity of your eye lens
- Signs of damage to your optic nerve
Seniors should have their eyes examined at least once a year or as recommended by their doctor. Early detection helps prevent serious issues. Prioritizing senior eye care during Healthy Vision Month helps maintain confidence and independence.
Attend a Vision Awareness Workshop
Learning more about your eyes can help you take better care of them. Vision workshops cover:
- Warning signs of eye disease
- Practical tips to reduce strain
- How to live well with low vision
- Steps to prevent common vision problems
- How to make your home safer for low vision
You might meet local eye experts, join interactive sessions, or receive free screenings. Peoria hosts several wellness events in May that focus on eye health and healthy living.
These workshops promote vision awareness, helping you and your loved ones understand what to expect as you age. Attending just one session can empower you to care for your eyes and support others as well.
Start a Healthy Vision Challenge
Turn Healthy Vision Month into a fun and motivating experience by starting a challenge. Set small goals like:
- Wearing sunglasses every time you go outside
- Taking regular screen breaks to reduce eye strain
- Eating more leafy greens for eye nutrition
- Drinking more water to stay hydrated
- Getting enough sleep to support eye health
- Using brighter lighting when reading or doing tasks
If you live in an assisted living community like Heartis, you can invite other residents to join the challenge. Participating with others builds a sense of support, encourages friendly competition, and helps everyone stay committed. Track your progress together and celebrate each win.
A personal challenge keeps you focused and accountable. Challenges like these are perfect for those with aging eyes, offering both fun and structure while promoting long-term vision health.
Update Your Eyeglass Prescription
If your glasses no longer feel right, you might need an updated prescription. Small changes in your vision can develop slowly, making it hard to notice at first. Blurry text, frequent squinting, or headaches are signs it's time to check your lenses.
A proper prescription makes daily activities like reading, cooking, and walking much easier. It can also help prevent eye strain and falls.
If you're unsure when your glasses were last checked, it is a good time to schedule an appointment. Refreshing your prescription is one of the easiest eyesight tips to improve your comfort and safety this season.
Exercise for Better Circulation
Regular movement improves blood flow to your eyes and brain. To keep your heart and eyes strong, consider engaging in physical activities such as:
- Walking
- Stretching
- Yoga
- Light strength training
- Chair exercises
- Balance and flexibility routines
You do not need a gym. Just 30 minutes of movement a day can make a big difference.
At Heartis, part of our amenities and services include a fitness center and walking paths. These spaces help you stay active, build strength safely, and support your overall well-being as a resident.
Staying active also promotes Peoria wellness, giving you more energy, confidence, and independence. During Healthy Vision Month, make movement a daily habit.
Eat for Eye Health
Nutrition plays a big role in how well your eyes function. Foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids support the retina and reduce the risk of age-related damage.
So when preparing and taking meals, consider adding:
- Leafy greens
- Citrus fruits
- Sweet potatoes
- Fish
- Eggs
- Carrots
These foods help protect against dryness, cataracts, and vision loss. Staying hydrated also supports tear production and reduces irritation.
During Healthy Vision Month, aim to eat at least one eye-friendly food each day. Making better food choices benefits your whole body and gives long-term support to your senior eye care routine.
Review Medications With Your Doctor
Blurry vision, dry eyes, or increased light sensitivity might be side effects of prescriptions you already take. Some medications, including those for blood pressure, allergies, or mental health, can impact your eyes over time. Even eye care medications like drops for glaucoma may cause irritation or changes in vision.
That's why it is important to schedule a check-in with your doctor or pharmacist. Bring a list of everything you take, including supplements and over-the-counter products. Your doctor can help:
- Adjust dosages
- Suggest safer alternatives
- Offer tips to reduce side effects
- Recommend eye-friendly treatment options
- Monitor how medications may affect your vision over time
A medication review is a simple step that can protect your eyes and improve daily comfort. Staying informed supports your overall vision awareness and long-term eye health.
Healthy Vision Month Tips for Seniors in Peoria
Healthy Vision Month is the perfect time to take simple steps that support your eye health. From scheduling an exam to eating better and staying active, small changes can protect your vision and improve daily life. Whether you're managing aging eyes or just want to maintain good habits, each effort makes a difference.
At Heartis Peoria, we provide personalized support that helps you enjoy life with confidence. From chef-prepared meals and fitness programs to social events and scenic walking paths, we offer everything you need to thrive.
Visit us at 8201 N IL Route 91, Peoria, IL 61615. Schedule a tour of our community to see how we support wellness and independence every day.