See More of What You Love: Why Vision Care Matters

Whether you’re walking along the waterfront at Marina Park or chatting with friends over coffee downtown, your eyes are your window to daily life here in Kirkland. For older adults who are active and independent, keeping your vision sharp is key to maintaining your lifestyle, both indoors and out.

That’s why eye care isn’t just another appointment; it’s an investment in your independence.

What Happens to Eyes as We Age?

Common Age-Related Vision Changes

Aging gracefully also means understanding what changes are natural and what needs attention. As we get older, some shifts in eyesight are expected:

Presbyopia: Difficulty reading up close.
Cataracts: Cloudy lenses that affect clarity and color.
Macular degeneration: Loss of central vision, important for detail and faces.
Glaucoma: A silent condition that narrows peripheral vision over time.

Why Early Detection Matters

Catching these conditions early makes a real difference. Many eye diseases can be slowed or managed (sometimes even prevented) with regular care.

Annual Eye Exams: More Than Just a Vision Test

Why Schedule an Exam Every Year?

A full eye exam helps more than your prescription. For adults over 60, these visits are crucial because your eye doctor can:

Detects signs of chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Update glasses or contacts for sharper, safer vision.
Offer strategies for managing dryness, eye fatigue, or glare.

If you haven’t had a comprehensive eye checkup in the last year, it’s a great time to schedule one.

Purposeful Life and Eye Health Go Hand in Hand

Outdoor Living with Eye Protection in Mind

Kirkland’s natural beauty makes it easy to stay active outdoors, but don’t forget to protect your eyes along the way:

In summer, wear sunglasses with full UVA/UVB protection, especially near reflective water.
In winter, boost your indoor lighting to combat the region’s long, gray days.
All year, manage screen time to avoid dry, tired eyes, especially when video chatting with loved ones.

Fuel Your Vision with Smart Nutrition

What to Eat for Healthy Eyes

The foods you eat affect your eyesight. Prioritize:

Leafy greens like spinach and kale (rich in lutein and zeaxanthin)
Citrus fruits and berries (vitamin C)
Almonds, sunflower seeds, and olive oil (vitamin E)
Salmon, flaxseed, and chia seeds (omega-3s)

Lifestyle Habits That Help

Avoid smoking as it damages the optic nerve and raises the risk of cataracts.
Drink water throughout the day to keep your eyes hydrated.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat when gardening or walking trails.

Make Your Home Safer and Easier on the Eyes

Small Tweaks That Go a Long Way

A few adjustments at home can make a big difference:

Use task lighting for hobbies like knitting or puzzles.
Install motion-sensor lights in hallways and bathrooms.
Mark stairs with contrasting colors to prevent falls.
Keep readers or magnifiers handy in multiple rooms.

At MorningStar of Kirkland, our private suites are designed with safe lighting and easy navigation in mind.

Stay Engaged and Independent with Healthy Vision

Good eyesight helps you stay active and connected. Whether it’s spotting the bald eagles at Juanita Bay or enjoying a book club gathering in our community lounge, clear vision supports the lifestyle you love.

Here are a few ways residents at MorningStar of Kirkland stay engaged: