Routine eye care needed for seniors

Older adults may notice their vision starting to worsen as they age. Routine eye care is important and any changes should not be ignored. Make an appointment with an eye doctor asap.

The risk for many eye conditions increases for individuals in their 60s and beyond. Troublesome eye conditions include:

• Difficulty focusing on items up close

• Needing more light when reading

• Dry eyes

• Loss of peripheral vision

• Floaters

• Trouble seeing contrast between colors

Some seniors may also be at higher risk of developing serious eye disorders, such as:

• Cataracts

• Diabetic retinopathy

• Glaucoma

• Retinal detachment

• Age-related macular degeneration

Routine eye care is important because seniors are more likely to develop eye diseases or vision changes, For example, diabetic retinopathy — a progressive condition that affects people with high blood sugar – can lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated. Although diabetic retinopathy is not curable, treatments may help slow or stop the progression.

Glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, is another condition that is not curable or reversable, but may be manageable if detected early.

A cataract, which occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, is very common and may be treatable with surgery.

Keeping a diagnosed eye disease under control through routine follow up and monitoring is a critical part of preserving and maximizing your older loved one’s vision. Age-related vision changes may prevent your older loved one from engaging in activities and hobbies such as reading, driving, or golfing. They may even challenge everyday activities, such as matching dark blue and black socks when folding laundry or reading a digital clock from across the room. At worst, vision issues can increase the risk of accidents and falls around the house or make driving unsafe.

Visiting Angels provides non-medical assistance in the Lakes Region and can assist with transportation to eye appointments. Please contact us at 603-366-1993 for more information.