Why Are Regular Eye Exams Important for Seniors?

Few seniors understand the importance of regular eye care, and many underrates it. Most seniors visit their doctors frequently, but they forget that eye care is as important. As old age approaches, there are specific changes in vision and higher chances of eye defects. As a senior, you must visit the clinic for an eye checkup at least once a year. A regular eye exam is the best way to detect any problem before it develops into something more critical.

What Are Common Age-Related Vision Changes? 

If you have ever used prescribed glasses or contacts, you understand the frustration that comes with not being able to see as clearly as you used to. You almost feel like you can no longer participate in basic activities such as driving, reading, and every other activity that requires sight. If you notice any changes in your vision, don’t hesitate to contact your optometrist. Below are some common age-related vision changes.

• Difficulty Reading and Seeing Close-Up Objects: If you find it difficult to read what’s on your computer screen, reading texts becomes a task because your vision is blurry. It is due to your lenses becoming more flexible due to old age.
• Problems With Glare: Glares are common when driving. You will notice that the lights entering your eyes are scattered instead of focusing on your retina. Glares are the result of changes in your lenses.
• Changes In Colour Perception: At a younger age, your eye lenses are crystal clear, but as we age, they gradually decolorize, and as a result identifying colors becomes a problem.  
• Need For Extra Light: As you get older, you may need more light to read texts and participate in tasks that require a close-up view. This is a prevalent symptom of age-related vision changes.

These vision changes are expected in elders from ages 65 and above.

How Often Should Seniors Get Eye Exams?

What if I told you that approximately 11 million Americans above 12 years old require a correction for optimal vision and sight? You don’t have to wait to develop an eye defect to visit the optometrist. A regular eye checkup can help prevent severe eye defects. And in the case where there is a prevailing eye problem, frequent eye exams will help you detect it early.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that individuals over age 65 should have an annual eye exam involving eye dilation. It allows the doctor to get a better view of the retina, the optic nerve, and other vital tissues in order to quickly identify and correct any underlying issue before it generates something bigger.

Regular eye exams will also help early identify common eye defects in adults, such as:

• Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a gradual age-related vision change that affects the eye’s ability to focus on close objects. It is commonly known as farsightedness, which begins to manifest around age 40 and becomes more critical towards age 65.

• Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a common term that describes several diseases that destroy the optic nerve in the eye. If not detected and treated early, glaucoma could result in severe loss of vision.

• Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration is a result of aging. This is one of the common age-related vision changes. It affects the nerve in the eye that is sensitive to light. If it is not treated with urgency, it could lead to blindness.

On your visit to the eye clinic to see your optometrist, you can ask them to perform various checkups to determine other health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and common conditions peculiar to the autoimmune system.

Conclusion

Vision loss or any eye defect could cause a lot of discomfort and, worst case, an irreversible visual impairment. As you grow, your system undergoes a series of changes, and one of them affects your vision. As an older adult, if you notice any change in your vision, it may be due to aging. However, ensure you schedule an eye exam as soon as possible.

Author’s Bio

Isabelle Marinier

Isabelle is an associate editor at EyeBuyDirect, an online eyewear retailer.  She is a lifelong learner who is always eager to try new things. Isabelle combines her skills and experience to transform healthy lifestyle, fashion, and travel ideals into practical reality and relevant information.