August 2021 is National Eye Exam Month! It is important for senior citizens to stay up to date in regards to eye health by having routine eye examinations. According to The American Academy of Family Physicians 1 in 3 have have some form of vision-reducing eye disease by the age of 65 years. There are 4 major causes that can result in vision loss:
Cataracts
Macular Degeneration
Glaucoma
Diabetic Eye Diseases (Very important for patients with diabetes to have their eyes dilated during their exam once diagnosed.)
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of your eye and according to The Mayo Clinic here are some signs to be aware of as most cataracts develop slowly. Cataract surgery may be recommended.
Symptoms:
Clouded, blurred or dim vision
Increasing difficulty with vision especially at night
Sensitivity to light and/or glares
Seeing "halos" around lights
Frequent changes in prescription strength.
Fading or yellowing of colors
Double vision in a single eye
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is an eye disease that causes loss of vision in the center field of your vision. There are 2 types one is dry macular degeneration and the other is wet macular degeneration and blurred vision is the major symptom. You can take a quiz on AARP's website by clicking HERE and find out more information about this eye disease.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that affects the optical nerve and usually a result of high blood pressure. Treatment can include medication, eye drops and surgery. There are different types to be aware of and you can review the differences provided by WEBMD. Here are symptoms WEBMD said are most prevalent.
Seeing halos around lights
Vision loss
Redness in your eye
Eye that looks hazy (particularly in infants)
Upset stomach or vomiting
Eye pain
Diabetic Eye Diseases
Diabetes can affect vision when your blood glucose or blood sugar is too high. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is a great resource for those who have been diagnosed with diabetes and you can learn more by clicking HERE.
When symptoms do occur, they may include:
blurry or wavy vision
frequently changing vision—sometimes from day to day
dark areas or vision loss
poor color vision
spots or dark strings (also called floaters)
flashes of light
How Often Do You Need To Have An Eye Exam?
According to Prevent Blindness.org, how often you should get your eyes checked varies based on your age range and pre-existing health conditions.
Those between 40-64 should get a complete eye exam every 2-4 years
Those 65 years or older should see their ophthalmologist every year
Those with pre-existing eye conditions or concerns about family history should ask their eye doctor how often they’d like to see them
About Elite Care Consulting
If you or a loved one is considering senior living options Elite Care Consulting offers a FREE service to help you find the best option to fit your needs in N.E Florida. Find out more by clicking HERE or call us today at 904-664-2111. We are Family owned and operated so let our family help your family today! https://www.elitecareconsulting.org/
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