August is “National Eye Exam” month and a good reminder for seniors and the elderly to check their eyes. It’s not just your vision that’s important when you get an eye exam.
There are other health-related reasons to have an eye exam. Of course, an eye exam means a doctor can catch small problems with your eyes before they lead to bigger problems that may be life altering.
As you age, you may experience vision issues. It’s all the more important to schedule an annual eye exam.
How Often Should You Have Your Eyes Examined?
Medical experts say that people under the age of 60 should have an eye exam every two years. For people age 61 or older, you should have an eye exam every year.
One of the things your doctor will look for in an eye exam is other health problems. Some of the other health issues they’ll check for include:
- Early onset glaucoma
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
For people over the age of 65, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends you have your eyes dilated with an annual exam.
When your doctor dilates your eyes, they can get a better look at your retina and optic nerve. This helps them pinpoint any possible problems with your eyes, getting a head start on treatment to prevent the onset of larger issues.
An Eye Exam Can Detect These 5 Conditions
The five conditions that an annual eye exam can detect in older adults:
- Glaucoma—A glaucoma is actually a group of diseases. These diseases affect the optic nerve in the eye, possibly leading to serious vision loss. Catching glaucoma early can help prevent blindness.
- Macular degeneration—This is a condition related to age. It affects the light-sensitive tissue in the eye and may lead to blindness.
- Retinal tearing—For seniors and the elderly, they are at higher risk for small lacerations in the inner lining of the eye. This condition may lead to a dangerous retinal detachment or other conditions that affect vision, such as black spots or floaters.
- Cataracts—This is a condition that leads to a clouding of the eye’s lens. Surgery can typically correct cataracts.
- Diabetic retinopathy—This condition is related to diabetes and causes damage to the blood vessels in the back of the eye. It’s also the top cause of blindness in older adults.
A CARING-FIRST ENVIRONMENT
Senior living communities like Auburn Hill Senior Living are precisely that—a community. Residents become friends and even family, and a caring team is there to help them maintain their quality of life.
At Auburn Hill Senior Living, we offer both Assisted Living and Memory Care and we care with Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Residents first and Teamwork. We like to call it Caring with H.E.A.R.T.™!
If you believe a senior living community would benefit your loved one, get in touch with us. Schedule a tour or download a brochure today!