As most adults reach middle age, they start to notice a need for glasses to correct their eyesight or at least for reading. Aging can affect your eyes in various other ways as well. Some of the changes can bring more severe problems than the need for a stronger eyeglass prescription. That explains the need for regular eye exams for seniors. This post will explore the need for and the frequency with which seniors should get their eyes checked.
Importance of Regular Eye Exams for Seniors
Since vision changes are a normal part of aging, it's not always possible to detect when severe eye problems arise. If left untreated and undiagnosed, some vision problems can severely cut off a senior's ability to remain actively independent. Common eye changes that can severely impact a senior's daily living include:
- Dry eye syndrome: A chronic eye problem in seniors, characterized by poor quality or too few tears
- Cataracts: Can lead to decreased contrast sensitivity and cause blurry vision or inability to see in low light conditions
- Glaucoma: Loss of peripheral vision due to damage to the optic nerve by a group of eye disease
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): The disease affects the center of the retina that is sensitive to light, causing central vision loss
- Diabetic retinopathy: Occurs because of diabetes due to the progressive damage to the tiny blood vessels that supply the retina. In severe form, it can cause blindness.
With the risk of these eye conditions, there's a need for regular eye exams. Eye tests can help detect these conditions and treat them in a good time for seniors' overall happiness and well-being.
Seniors and Regular Annual Exams
Statistics from the CDC show that about 93 million adults in the U.S. are at a high risk of vision loss. That's why the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends adults above the age of 65 have their eyes checked at least once a year.
A comprehensive eye exam by a specialist can help detect eye disease and various other conditions in their early stages to prevent eye loss. The eye exams should check:
- Refraction
- Slit lamp
- Dilated retinal examination
- Visual field or side vision
- Eye pressure
The specialist will also test visual acuity or sharpness, eye alignment and movement, and depth perception. In some situations, the eye doctor may spot diabetes and high blood pressure before the primary healthcare provider does.
Tips for Protecting Your Vision as a Senior
In addition to having their eyes checked annually, it's also crucial that seniors take steps to protect their eyes and vision. Some helpful tips include:
- Eating a healthy diet that includes leafy greens like spinach or kale
- Using sunglasses that block out 99% to 100% of UV-A and UV-B sun rays
- Avoid smoking as it increases the risk of age-related cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.
Senior Helpers in Elmira-Ithaca Cares for Your Wellness
Senior Helpers is Elmira-Ithaca's leading provider of personalized senior care. We focus on providing professional caregiving services to help seniors live their best lives in the comfort of their own homes. Get in touch with Senior Helpers Elmira-Ithaca to learn more about our senior in-home care.