The Importance of Regular Eye Exams for Seniors in Miami-Dade

Posted by Scott Cantin in caregiving, Senior Care | 0 comments

As you age, it’s normal to experience changes in your vision. It’s not always obvious what kinds of problems need attention. That’s why you need a regular eye exam that allows your eye doctor to check and ensure you don’t have vision problems that can affect your ability to see or remain active. At Advancare, we recommend getting regular eye exams for seniors in Miami-Dade to ensure any visual changes are detected and treated on time.

 Most seniors may complain about losing the ability to see up close, having trouble distinguishing colors, and needing more time to adjust to different light levels. Such problems can easily be corrected using glasses, improved lighting, and contact lenses. This article discusses the importance of eye exams for seniors in Miami-Dade.

Why Older Adults Need Eye Exams

Older adults need eye exams more than any other group of people. The exams aim to detect certain eye conditions and illnesses, such as:

• Cataracts
• Dry eye syndrome
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Glaucoma
• Retinal detachment
• Diabetic retinopathy

 How Often Should Seniors Get Eye Exams?

According to a recent CDC report, 93 million U.S. adults are at high risk of vision loss. Yet, only half have visited the eye doctor in the past year. With such data, it’s easy to understand the value of eye care and its life-changing impact in preserving the vision of many people.

Experts recommend seniors above 65 visit an optometrist at least once every two years. The eye exam should include refraction, eye pressure, dilated retinal examination, slit lamp, and visual field. The eye doctor will also test your vision acuity, eye alignment, eye movement, and depth perception.

Ways to Protect Your Vision

There are many things you can do to keep your eyes in good condition. One of these is regular eye exams. Your optometrist can detect and treat problems before they cause permanent vision loss. You can create a list of questions you can ask your doctor, including your medication. It’s important to look after your eyes and immediately report any changes you notice to your eye doctor.

Another great tip for keeping your eyes healthy is eating nutritious foods. Eat green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach to maintain a healthy weight. Avoid exposing your eyes to direct sunlight or looking directly at the sun. Wear sunglasses with UV-A and UV-B radiation protection. Quit smoking as it increases the risk of developing glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye, and macular degeneration.

Driving at 60

Once you’re past 60, driving a car can become quite difficult. Eye disease and age-related vision changes can affect your driving ability negatively, and you might not know the symptoms. Some of the vision changes include the following:

• Not being able to see road signs clearly
• Difficulty judging distances and speed
• Difficulty seeing objects up close such as road pumps, maps, or the vehicle’s instrument panel
• Changes in color perception
• Loss of side vision
• Problems seeing in low light at night
• Difficulty adjusting to bright sunlight or glare from headlights.

At Advancare, our community services are focused on your overall wellness. Our caregivers work with you to ensure you live a productive and fulfilled life. To learn more about our senior home care services, feel free to contact us today!