A home visiting optician | Year In Review 2023
We gave you some top tips on stimulating activities for older adults
We are all aware that as we become older, our physical and mental health may take decline. Often, we are no longer able to complete simple tasks such as climbing the stairs, remembering our favourite song or holding conversations like we used to. For our older clients experiencing these concerns, this can be a challenging and scary time. We often find older clients are embarrassed that they have lost some of their abilities, and they will remove themselves from social situations and stimulating activities for fear of further embarrassment.
There are risks associated with your older clients detaching themselves from social situations, including a decline in thinking skills, the ability to participate in discussions, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. It’s for this reason that it’s imperative your clients are encouraged to participate in daily fun and exciting activities that will help to improve their confidence as well as their mental and physical health.
We took a deep (and careful!) dive into conjunctivitis
Have you ever woken up in the morning with red, puffy or itchy eyes? Are they seemingly stuck together with ‘sleepy dust’ and are weepy throughout the day? Chances are, if you have faced this, you have had conjunctivitis at some point in your life. A common condition that is often treated with antibiotics or anti-viral medication, conjunctivitis is not always pleasing to the eye. It can leave you wanting to stay inside until it is all cleared up. This month, Opticall Eyecare looks at conjunctivitis and when it may be contagious.
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It can also be due to an allergic reaction or exposure to irritants. Symptoms of conjunctivitis often include a pink or red colour in the whites of the eyes, swelling of the conjunctiva and/or eyelids, increased tear production and a feeling like something in your eye accompanied by an irrepressible urge to rub it. Other symptoms may include itching, irritation and/or burning sensation in the eyes.
If you think you may have conjunctivitis, it is highly recommended that you seek medical help from an optometrist or primary care physician so they can examine your eyes and confirm a diagnosis. In some cases, treating conjunctivitis may require antibiotics to eliminate any bacterial cause. However, many cases do not need antiviral treatment since this type of virus usually clears without further complications within 7-10 days. To reduce any discomfort associated with pink eye, it’s advisable to wear sunglasses outside during the day and clean your hands often when touching or rubbing your eyes or face.
We helped you keep your eyes healthy
Protecting our eyes is crucial because it ensures that they stay healthy and perform optimally. We rely heavily on our vision to navigate the world and be able to interpret what we see–so keeping our eyes in good shape should be a priority. Without adequate protection, our eyes are vulnerable to damage from both external and internal factors ranging from chemical damage to UV rays.
This is why wearing protective eyewear such as sunglasses outdoors and safety glasses when operating machinery or carrying out any labour-intensive projects is essential. Not only will these things help maintain better eye hygiene and reduce the risk of injury, but extended exposure to harmful elements can also lead to conditions such as cataracts or glaucoma which may become irreversible in some cases.
Furthermore, it’s important for those who work with computers for prolonged periods of time to take regular breaks to give their eyes a rest and reduce the strain they experience while focusing on digital screens. Taking these small steps now can go a long way towards protecting your eyes so that you can continue enjoying clear vision for many years ahead.
We aimed to combat loneliness
Loneliness can have profound and detrimental effects on an individual’s physical and mental well-being. The impact of this pervasive issue is particularly concerning in the United Kingdom, where an estimated 9 million people often or always experience feelings of being alone. As this number continues to grow, it becomes increasingly clear that loneliness is a significant concern that warrants attention and action.
Extensive research demonstrates that chronic loneliness can pose severe risks to mental health, contributing to the development of conditions such as depression, anxiety, and even dementia. Furthermore, the physical toll of loneliness should not be underestimated, as it can weaken the immune system, raise blood pressure, and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is crucial to recognise these alarming effects, not only to address the issue at hand but also to discover effective strategies and resources to combat the profound impact of loneliness on individuals and society.
We gave you our top meditation tips
Meditation is a personal journey, and finding the right approach that resonates with you is key. Here are some tips to help you establish a fulfilling meditation practice:
- Create a tranquil space: Find a quiet and comfortable spot in your home where you can retreat for your meditation sessions. This dedicated space will help you establish a sense of calm and focus.
- Set a regular schedule: Consistency is vital in meditation. Set aside a specific time each day to practice, whether it’s in the morning, during a lunch break, or before bedtime. This routine will help make meditation a habit.
- Start with short sessions: If you’re new to meditation, begin with short sessions of 5 to 10 minutes and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable. Remember, it’s quality over quantity, so focus on the quality of your practice.
Opticall Eyecare wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year
With another fantastic year under our belt, we are proud of the number of clients and residential homes we have been able to support as a home visiting optician in 2023. Our team would like to take this opportunity to thank our clients and suppliers for their continued support, and we wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year. We look forward to working with you all in 2024.