When you're helping a senior client or a senior loved one in Beaverton, OR, you want to make sure that they get their eyes checked as often as they should, especially if they have certain conditions, including diabetes and dry eyes. You might wonder how often that should be to ensure good senior eye health.
Most people need an annual eye exam. This makes you wonder if your senior loved one needs their eyes checked more often to ensure their eye health. This guide can help you better understand the requirements and provides you with a few tips.
How Often Does a Senior Need to Get Their Eyes Checked?
Persons over the age of 65 need a comprehensive eye exam every year. If the senior struggles with diabetes, dry eyes, or another health challenge that affects the eyes, their ophthalmologists might suggest more frequent eye exams. If that's the case, it's a good idea to follow their recommendation.
Most ophthalmologists' offices in Portland, OR, will send out a yearly reminder when the time for an appointment draws closer. When you're taking care of a senior client or loved one, it's beneficial to make a note in your calendar app to remind you. These annual eye exams for seniors are comprehensive, and your senior might wonder what to expect during the visit.
What Should a Senior Expect During Their Eye Exam?
Some seniors might feel anxious about their annual eye exam. It's always a good idea to know what to expect during the visit. Here are a few things to expect:
- A comprehensive personal and family history is taken.
- A test to measure visual acuity.
- Test for overall senior eye health and visual functioning. These tests include:
- Color vision
- Depth perception
- Peripheral vision
- A test to see how the pupil reacts to light.
In many cases, the ophthalmologist will dilate the pupils to get a better look at the inner workings of the eye. If the doctor sees any concerns, they might recommend further testing.
8 Tips for Senior Eye Health
Your client or senior loved one can take steps to ensure the health of their eyes and help keep eye problems to a minimum. These eight tips for senior eye health can help with their next eye exam:
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection when outside. UV rays can damage a person's eyes the same way it does their skin.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors. Along with the sunglasses, this can further help to protect the eyes.
- Keep the senior's blood pressure at a healthy level.
- Eat healthy foods that promote eye health.
- Remain physically active.
- Strive to maintain a healthy weight.
- Stop smoking. Some seniors began smoking before the effects of smoking were fully understood.
- Manage blood sugar levels if the senior struggles with diabetes.
These tips can help your senior loved one or client help maintain their eye health. At Senior Helpers Portland West, we can partner with you to help with daily chores and medication reminders in Portland, Lake Oswego, Oregon City, and the surrounding areas. Reach out to us now!