Vision loss can have profound impacts on a senior’s quality of life, limiting their independence, mobility, and ability to participate in activities they enjoy. According to the CDC, 20% of all people older than 85 years experience permanent vision loss. However, getting regular, comprehensive eye exams is key to preserving the vision senior citizens have and detecting issues early when they are most treatable.
This article will outline 10 important reasons seniors should make eye checkups a routine part of their ongoing healthcare. Consistent eye exams allow early detection of problems, monitoring of existing conditions, updating of prescriptions, and overall optimization of vision and eye health. By being proactive about eye care, senior citizens can maintain their sight, their mobility, and their independence as long as possible. Moreover, seeking out the best laser eye surgeon for corrective procedures can further enhance their quality of life.
Here are 10 important reasons why eye checkups are vital for senior eye health and safety:
1. Detect Age-Related Eye Diseases Early
Some of the most common eye diseases seniors face include:
Cataracts
- Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy leading to blurred vision.
- They are treated with surgery when vision problems interfere with daily tasks.
Glaucoma
- Glaucoma damages the optic nerve from high pressure in the eye.
- Vision loss is gradual and permanent if not treated early.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- The macula deteriorates causing loss of central vision.
- It’s the top cause of severe vision impairment and blindness in seniors.
Regular exams allow early detection of these and other age-related eye diseases, so treatment can begin right away to prevent vision loss. Furthermore, finding a primary care doctor who can provide regular check-ups and referrals to eye specialists is a crucial step in maintaining optimal eye health as you age.
2. Keep Tabs on Existing Eye Conditions
As we get older, having diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol puts us at higher risk for vision problems. These chronic health conditions can affect the tiny blood vessels and nerves in the eyes.
That’s why it’s really important for folks managing health issues to get regular eye exams. The eye doctor can closely monitor your eyes and catch any new vision changes early. Then they can start any necessary treatment right away to protect your sight.
Consistency is key – the more regular the exams, the easier it is for your eye doctor to keep tabs on your eye health. This gives you the best chance at preserving your vision, even with ongoing medical conditions.
3. Check if You’re Dealing With Presbyopia
Around the time we reach our 40s and 50s, it’s common to start having trouble seeing up close. This normal change is called presbyopia, and it happens as our eye’s lens loses some flexibility.
The eye doctor will check during your exam to see if you’re dealing with presbyopia. Most people need to start using reading glasses when it develops. Presbyopia tends to get worse with time, so eye doctors need to regularly update your lens prescription to keep your near vision crisp and clear.
Eye exams help figure out the ideal strength of lenses you need for your age and level of presbyopia. There are also new multifocal contact lenses available now to help with near and far vision as presbyopia progresses.
4. Update Your Prescriptions
Our eyesight doesn’t stay exactly the same as we get older – some amount of change is normal. Often, these small changes in our vision are gradual, so we may not even notice them.
Over time, the slight changes can make our old eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions not quite right anymore. Everything may look a little blurry or just not as sharp as it used to be.
That’s why it’s helpful to get annual eye exams as a senior. The doctor can test your vision thoroughly and make sure your prescriptions stay up-to-date. Updated prescriptions mean you can see your best year after year as you age.
5. Evaluate Overall Eye Health
Routine exams assess more than just vision. Eye doctors also:
- Examine the eyes to check for abnormalities.
- Test eye movements and pupil reactions to uncover neurological issues.
- Measure eye pressure to screen for glaucoma.
- Assess how well glasses and contacts work for you.
Comprehensive exams promote complete ocular wellness.
6. Check for Medication Side Effects
Many medications have visual side effects, especially with long-term use. Eye doctors look for these during exams and collaborate with your other physicians to adjust medications if needed.
7. Provide Early Diagnosis for Health Conditions
Eye exams can detect signs of illnesses before other symptoms start. Changes can indicate:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Thyroid disorders
- Neurological conditions like MS, tumors, stroke
Catching other health issues early preserves vision and saves lives.
8. Prevent Falls and Injuries
Age-related vision changes raise seniors’ risks of losing balance and falling. Keeping eyeglass/contact lens prescriptions updated and treating eye diseases helps maximize stability and prevent hazardous falls.
9. Maximize Functional Vision
Even with age-related eye diseases, steps can still be taken to optimize remaining vision. Eye doctors can recommend proper lighting, visibility aids, and tips to enhance daily functioning. Vision rehabilitation training also helps strengthen visual skills.
10. Improve Overall Quality of Life
Clear comfortable vision is vital for maintaining independence and an active lifestyle as a senior. Healthy vision allows participation in hobbies, social events, sports, and daily tasks requiring sight. Regular eye exams help seniors see their best.
Final Thoughts
As we age, our eyes face increased risks from age-related diseases, changes in vision, and side effects of medications. By getting eye check-ups annually or as often as their doctor recommends, seniors can maximize their chances of maintaining healthy vision.
Consistent eye exams allow early detection and monitoring of eye problems so they can be treated promptly before vision loss occurs. Eye health screening during exams can also uncover signs of other age-related diseases like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol or neurological issues. Early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions is critical too.
Protecting vision through regular eye care helps seniors continue participating in all the activities they enjoy. Be proactive and schedule your next senior eye exam today!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s included in a senior eye exam?
- Medical history review
- Vision testing
- Eye health evaluation
- Eyeglass/contact lens prescription assessment
- Eye disease screening
- Explanation of findings and recommendations
- Why are dilated eye exams important?
Dilating drops allow the doctor to see more inside the eye, like the retina. This permits better evaluation of eye diseases and problems.
- What is vision rehabilitation training?
It is specialized training to help people with vision impairment utilize their remaining vision and adaptive techniques for everyday tasks.
Regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for preserving senior vision and identifying any problems early. Consistent eye checkups protect sight, maintain independence, and enhance seniors’ quality of life.