How Important Eye Examination Is For Seniors

Seniors are vulnerable to infections such as glaucoma, cataracts or age-related macular degenerations. Regular eye exams are crucial even if you are more than 65 years old and have an excellent vision. As we get older, we get more susceptible to eye conditions which are debilitating and we have to get an eye exam because in the early stages a lot of eye conditions don’t show symptoms at all.

How Important Eye Examination Is For Seniors

As we get older our body undergoes a variety of changes and is more vulnerable to health-related problems and eye problems are one of them. You should get an eye examination even if your vision is perfect. As above-mentioned some of the symptoms do not appear in the early stages and if not treated the disease will advance and will result in vision loss. The only way to take care of your eye vision is by taking regular eye exams.

Problems with vision which affect older people

Macular degeneration

One of the most common eye conditions which affect seniors is macular degeneration related to aging. The macula or the center of the retina is impacted by macular degeneration. The macula is responsible for letting us see details, or colors, such as road signs or leaves. It also helps us see the faces on television more precisely. And because our peripheral vision is perfect we don’t notice macular degeneration. However if in the center of your vision you notice a small blind spot you might have macular degeneration. This eye condition can also be genetic so if you have a member in your family who suffers from macular degeneration it is very important that you get an eye exam.

Cataracts

Cataracts are affecting one or both eyes, and your vision will be blurred because you will experience a cloudy appearance. The eyes become more sensitive to colors and contrasts and people experience difficulty of detecting traffic signals. Cataracts are removed with surgery but it is important that you notice them in the early stages so they don’t impact the eyes on the long run.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is also a serious eye health problem and causes blindness. It affects approximately one million Americans in the age of 65 or older. African-American are the ones who are affected by glaucoma the most. Primary open-angle glaucoma is prevalent, which causes vision loss as years pass by. Symptoms of glaucoma don’t appear in the beginning, but when the disease advances they show up. If glaucoma is spotted early enough, your doctor can prescribe you a preventative treatment.

If you want to live a quality life when you’re a senior, you should often get eye exams. It is very important that older people get eye exams twice a year, and those suffering from diabetes or hereditary conditions should have eye exams at least once a year. Changes in your vision can affect the quality of life and your safety, so you should be very mindful about getting your eye exams.