Why Annual Eye Exams Matter for Seniors
Most older adults see value in having an annual physical exam, especially if they have a specific health condition that their doctor wants to monitor. However, when it comes to their eyes, many older adults overlook the value of an annual eye exam. Whether they think their primary care physician exams their vision, or they don't notice any changes to their vision, it's not uncommon for older adults to skip routine eye exams.
August is National Eye Exam Month, making it the perfect month to schedule that annual appointment and take control of the health of your eyes. Many seniors don't realize that their eye doctor can detect more than just their vision change. The human eye can reveal underlying health conditions, some of which can only be detected through an eye exam. If you're still not convinced about the importance of an annual eye exam, here are a few reasons why annual eye exams matter for seniors.
Preventative Care
Annual check-ups screen for underlying health conditions in hopes of detecting health concerns early. Similarly, annual eye exams also aim to detect and prevent certain eye conditions common among the older adult population. Some vision decline can be prevented or delayed with early intervention. Adults over the age of 65 need to schedule an annual eye exam to help prevent vision loss or blindness.
Identify and Treat Common Eye Problems
Older adults have an increased risk for certain eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinal tearing. Only through a comprehensive eye exam, where the eye doctor dilates your pupils, can your eye doctor take a closer look at your optic nerve and retina. This allows the eye doctor to assess and evaluate the health of your eyes. If they identify any problems, they can provide treatment to prevent further damage.
Reveal Other Health Conditions
Your eye doctor doesn't just exam your eyes. They also look for signs of other health conditions common among seniors linked to the eye's health. Blood vessels in the eye and the eyelid itself can reveal high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, brain tumors, skin cancers, and thyroid disease. It's not uncommon for an eye doctor to detect a chronic health condition missed by a primary care physician, especially conditions that don't have any symptoms.
Check for Cognitive Decline
Lastly, older adults need annual eye exams so that they can be checked for cognitive decline. Studies have shown a correlation between retinal vascular changes and an increased risk for cognitive decline and dementia. It appears that moderate to severe retinopathy is associated with a more significant cognitive decline than seniors who have no retinopathy. An annual eye exam can help detect changes in the earlier stages, and treatment can be provided to slow the disease's progression. Plus, it's always a great idea to have another set of eyes on one's health.
If you are an older adult struggling with vision loss, know that Visiting Angels Sheboygan is here for you. We offer a variety of senior home care services that allow older adults to remain safe and independent in the comfort of their own homes. If your low vision is preventing you from going to the eye doctor, we can help. Our compassionate caregivers can escort you to your next appointment and help you around your home. We provide various home care services, from assistance with dressing and grooming to help with meal preparation and light housekeeping. We can even assist you on outings, such as to the Wisconsin State Fair or to pick up a sweet treat from your favorite ice cream parlor. To learn more about us or schedule your free consultation, please contact us today by calling 920-221-1000.