JAKARTA - Decreased vision function is often considered a logical consequence of the aging process.
However, maintaining the health of the sense of sight in old age is actually the main key to ensuring that the elderly can continue to be active independently and productively.
Departing from this awareness, Holywings Peduli held a social action in the form of free eye health checks, educational seminars, and free distribution of reading glasses for the elderly in Cecilia Bar, Petogogan, South Jakarta, Saturday, July 11.
Carrying the title "Healthy Eyes, Happy Elderly", the action was specifically designed to expand access to health services for vulnerable age groups.
Holywings Group Chief Commissioner and Head of the Holywings Peduli CSR Program, Andrew Susanto, said that this initiative is a tangible manifestation of corporate commitment in improving the quality of life of the elderly.
"We hope that this activity can help the elderly to have access to good eye examinations as well as get glasses that suit their needs. Good vision will keep them independent, productive, and enjoy daily activities more comfortably," said Andrew.
In its implementation, participants passed a series of procedures for visual acuity, refraction examination, to a consultation session with Refraksionis Optisien (RO) and Optometrist from Optik 99K.
This step is crucial to identify complaints of eye disorders that often attack the elderly, ranging from cataracts, glaucoma, presbyopia (old eyes), to macular degeneration.
Meanwhile, in the educational seminar, Zakaria Efendo, as a lecturer, explained periodic guidelines regarding the ideal duration of eye examinations for age groups above four.
"In general, the age of 40-64 years old, a complete eye examination every 1-2 years, even if there are no complaints. Over 65 years old, preferably once a year. If you have risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, a history of glaucoma in the family, high myopia, or have undergone eye surgery, examinations can be done more frequently according to the advice of an ophthalmologist, for example every 3-12 months," said Zakaria.
Da added that a balanced diet plays a much more vital role than just relying on one type of specific intake.
The elderly are advised to eat leafy green vegetables rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, orange vegetables that supply beta-carotene, to fatty fish rich in omega-3.
This step must also be balanced by limiting processed (ultra-processed) foods and stopping the habit of smoking.
The seminar session was also used to break down various misconceptions that are widely circulated among the public regarding the health of the elderly.
One of them is the myth that prohibits parents from often reading books so that the minus or plus in the eyes does not jump.
Zakaria firmly denied the assumption.
According to him, reading is not at all a direct trigger of the progression of presbyopia or myopia.
"It's not entirely true. Reading does not cause presbyopia or myopia to increase directly. What may happen is that the eyes feel tired when the lighting is less, the reading position is uncomfortable, or the size of the glasses is not suitable. Reading is still a good activity to maintain cognitive function and quality of life for the elderly," said Zakaria.
He reminded the public not to be fooled by claims of herbal products that are said to be able to overcome or treat cataracts.
Until now, cataracts that have obscured vision and interfered with daily mobility can only be effectively cured through medical surgery.
Likewise with the assumption that an eye without complaints means it is completely healthy.
Chronic diseases such as glaucoma are often dubbed as 'sight thieves' because they damage the eye nerves slowly without signs of emergency in the early stages.
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