Senior’s Eye Care and
SENIOR EYE EXAMS IN NORTH VANCOUVER
As we age, our eyesight can change drastically due to various factors. It is essential for seniors to receive regular eye exams to detect any changes in vision and ensure their safety. These comprehensive tests can identify common age-related issues such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, while also assessing a person’s need for corrective lenses or surgery.
Why Should Seniors
Undergo Comprehensive Eye Exams?
Seniors are at a higher risk for a number of eye conditions and diseases that can heavily impact sight, such as:
- Cataracts: The leading cause of blindness worldwide, this is distorted or cloudy vision caused by the lens inside the eye losing its transparency over time. Cataracts are largely due to aging and are most often found in people over the age of 60. They develop slowly over many years, and can require glasses, new prescriptions, or surgical removal.
- Glaucoma: The second leading cause of blindness around the world, it often has no symptoms until significant damage has occurred, which is why it is important to catch it early. Glaucoma can be caused by elevated pressure within the eye, and can lead to serious vision loss. Complete blindness may occur. It can be controlled with daily eye drops and laser eye surgery.
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): High-risk groups for AMD include smokers and people who have had extensive UV exposure. There are two different types of AMD: dry and wet. Dry AMD can be treated with ocular vitamin supplementation and with lifestyle modifications, and wet AMD can be treated with medications injected into the eye.
Approximately 1 in 3 people have some form
of vision-reducing eye disease by age 65
How Often Should Seniors Have
Their Eye Care Checked and Book an Eye Exam Appointment with an Optometrist?
Eye care is often overlooked by seniors, but regular eye exams are critical for maintaining good vision and overall health of your eyes. Unfortunately, many seniors are unaware of how often they should have their eyes checked or when to book an eye exam appointment with an optometrist.
At age 65 and older, it is recommended that you have an eye examination at least once a year by a knowledgeable and experienced optometrist.
How Can Seniors
Protect Their Vision?
Seniors can follow these steps to help protect their vision and the overall health of their eyes, while catching ocular disease and other vision problems early:
- Wear sunglasses, even in the winter.
- Keep the lighting similar in every room.
- Speak with your optometrist about multifocal lenses.
- Give overexerted eyes a break.
- Live a healthier lifestyle.
- Keep blood sugar and pressure in check.
- Stay away from smoke.
- Visit your eye doctor regularly to reduce the risk factor of certain eye diseases.
