Nowadays, people 65 and older lead a very different life than in the past. They are active, travel, go out, take care of their grandchildren... their schedule is extremely busy! More than ever, seniors want to see clearly as long as possible, so that they are able to continue to practice their activities. Since life expectancy has also increased in the past few years, it is important to make sure that your vision is on point, for that reason, it is recommended to regularly consult our optometrist. Here are some good reasons to take an eye exam every year when you are 65 and older.
Preventing Eye Diseases
With age, the risk of eye diseases and conditions increases more and more. Many eye diseases occur after age 65, some of which are hereditary. Ocular diseases can settle in without any early symptoms and only manifests itself once it is in an advanced stage. In addition, only one eye can be affected without the patient noticing, because the healthy eye will compensate for the poor vision of the other. After detecting an eye disease, the optometrist will take steps to treat or slow down the progression, to prevent it from reaching the other eye and potentially, prevent vision loss. If necessary, the eye doctor will refer the patient to an ophthalmologist. For example, cataracts (article link What are cataracts, how can we prevent and treat them?) can greatly diminish the quality of sight by causing blurred vision, which can lead to blindness. Age-related macular degeneration affects the field of vision and causes central vision loss. These types of ocular conditions may affect the eyes well before you notice a change in your vision.
Drive Safer
Eyes may take longer to adjust in the dark with age. They also become more sensitive to sunlight or headlights. Contrasts and depth perception also decrease, making the evaluation of distances more difficult. To drive safely, it is important to have the correct prescription in your lenses, but also to ensure that your field of vision is sufficient to properly perceive obstacles. An extensive eye exam will assess the condition of your eyes for safe driving.
Continue Practising Your Favourite Activities
After an eye exam, the optometrist will be able to suggest solutions to improve your vision, such as glasses adapted to your prescription and your daily activities, to see well near and far. Did you know that it could also help you improve your visual comfort? For example, dry and watery eyes can be treated with eye drops. You need good vision to be able to appreciate certain activities, such as reading, cooking, watching television, or even consulting your tablet. Better visual comfort will improve your quality of life and allow you to better enjoy your favourite hobbies.
Even if you do not feel a loss of vision or eye disease symptoms, it is important to consult your optometrist once a year from age 65. Your optometrist will only have suggestions to correct your vision, but they will also be able to detect eye diseases and treat them or slow down their progression. Was your last visit at IRIS more than a year ago? Make an appointment with your optometrist for an eye exam.
