How Often Should Seniors Get Their Eyes Checked? And Other Tips for Senior Eye Health
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How Often Should Seniors Get Their Eyes Checked? And Other Tips for Senior Eye Health

It is not uncommon to notice changes in your vision as you age. Most problems with vision can be easily corrected by wearing prescription glasses or improving the lighting. It is important to identify even the smaller eye health issues that may arise before they turn into bigger ones. Regular eye exams are the best way for seniors to stay ahead of potential vision problems. Eye care professionals in the Charleston area can find and treat eye problems early to protect your vision. For seniors and their caregivers, visiting an ophthalmologist or optometrist in the community every year provides peace of mind and overall better senior eye health.

Why Seniors Should Have Their Eyes Checked Once a Year for Better Senior Eye Health

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), seniors over the age of 60 are smart to get an annual eye exam. It is a good idea to visit a community eye professional in Mt. Pleasant if noticeable changes occur. Changes in eyesight for aging eyes often include these common symptoms:

  • Presbyopia — Presbyopia is simply losing the ability to see things up close. Reading fine print might require reading glasses. Some people may experience headaches or tired eyes when reading or doing close-up work.
  • Color Vision Changes — Persons over the age of 65 may find they have a hard time distinguishing between colors or shades.
  • Needing More Light — Adjusting to changes in light levels may be more difficult for older eyes. Improving lighting where you work or relax can make all the difference.
  • Dry or Teary Eyes — Seniors may experience dry or teary eyes. These can often be relieved with a humidifier or wearing protective sunglasses to protect sensitive eyes.

Age-Related Eye Conditions a Check-up Can Help to Avoid

Sometimes preexisting conditions, including diabetes, can cause vision problems. Diabetic retinopathy is a slow-developing condition with few early warning signs. If diabetic, having your eyes checked regularly and keeping appointments with a local physician in the James Island area prevents or slows its progress. 

Seniors also benefit from having dilated eye exams every year to watch for signs of glaucoma. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to vision loss or blindness. Cataracts also remain a major cause of eye problems in senior citizens. As a matter of fact, more than 24.4 million people over the age of 40 in the United States have cataracts. Surgery is often recommended to remove them.

Tips for Maintaining Eye Health in Seniors

Seniors who are proactive in taking care of their eyes enjoy sharper vision longer and are often able to ward off common eye diseases. There are several things senior citizens in the Moncks Corner area can do to maintain a healthy vision. Here are a few simple tips:

  • Protect your eyes from the sun — The sun is a great source of Vitamin D but direct sunlight can also damage your eyes. Wearing sunglasses, either prescription or not, can protect aging eyes and reduce risks.
  • Eat a healthy diet — Eating vitamin-rich foods like strawberries and oranges as well as foods high in antioxidants and beta-carotene can help keep age-related macular degeneration at bay.
  • Use proper indoor lighting — Low lighting indoors can cause unnecessary strain to the eyes. Keeping rooms well-lit while you are reading or watching television is smart and avoids eye strain.
  • Schedule regular yearly eye exams — One of the best ways for seniors to maintain eye health is to visit a local optometrist annually. Indeed, update prescription eyeglasses as needed to detect potential eye problems early.

Senior Helpers Charleston Is There When You Need Them

Senior Helpers Charleston is your number one resource for finding exceptional home care for you and your loved ones. We offer customized and compassionate home care service options designed to meet your individual needs. Contact us anytime and let us know how we can provide the peace of mind you and your loved ones deserve.