Geriatrics Eye Exams

If you’re over 65, it’s recommended to get an eye exam annually. This is because there are silent eye conditions, like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts, that have barely noticeable symptoms in the early stages of development. Glaucoma, for instance, affects nearly three million adults across the country, yet only about half of individuals are aware of their condition.

When to See an Eye Doctor Immediately

While preventative care with a routine eye exam is necessary, older adults should be aware of abnormal symptoms that may result from an underlying condition. Here are some common signs that seniors may experience.

  • Blind spots in central vision
  • Double vision, seeing halos, or floaters
  • Straight lines have a wavelike appearance
  • Physical abnormalities in the eye
  • Needing to change prescriptions frequently

Understanding Elderly Eye Exams

Eye exams as you get older are much like those you may have had when you were younger. There is, however, an increased concentration to test for age-related conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Our eye doctor will begin with a review of your eyes and medical history. Then, there will be several tests for vision and eye health. These include, but are not limited to, visual acuity testing, refraction, visual field tests, eye functioning and mobility, and your eye health. Finally, dilation is used to examine the internal structures of the eye.

Encourage older adults in your family to see our eye doctor. Often, older adults can get diagnosed with low vision, making it challenging to complete daily activities like reading or driving. Our optometry team helps the elderly population regain their independence with specialized care and treatment plans.

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