Seniors

As you reach your 60’s and beyond, you need to be attentive to warning signs of age-related eye health problems that could cause vision loss. Many eye diseases have no early symptoms. They may develop painlessly and you may not be aware of changes to your vision until the condition is quite advanced. But wise lifestyle choices and regular eye exams can significantly improve your chances of maintaining good eye health even as you age.

You may not realize that health problems affecting other parts of your body can affect your vision as well. Individuals with diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure), or taking medications that have eye-related side effects, are at greatest risk for developing vision problems.

Therefore, regular eye exams are even more important as you reach your senior years. Annual eye examinations are recommended for everyone over age 60. See your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your vision.

In the years after you turn 60, a number of eye diseases may develop that can change your vision permanently. The earlier these problems are detected and treated, the more likely you can retain good vision.

The following are some vision disorders of which you should be aware:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Retinal detachment
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Dry eye

Early detection increases the chances of maintaining healthy vision for seniors. Safeguarding your vision as you age can have a tremendous impact on your quality of life.