If you regularly receive proper eye exams, you have a good chance of maintaining good eye health throughout your life. However, as you age, the chances of developing an eye condition increase. As a senior, caring for your eyes and your vision becomes even more important. Here at Maple Ridge Eye Care, we take special interest in senior eye care. We work with our patients to ensure that each individual receives the right amount of professional attention to spot these conditions early on.
Give Your Vision an Ultimate Checkup with Exams Catered to Seniors
When you stop in for your senior eye exam, you should expect that your exam may be more comprehensive than what you have experienced in the past. Our optometrist will of course check for typical vision issues, such as farsightedness and astigmatism, but will do an in-depth exam that could include:
- testing coordination of your eye muscles, both interior and exterior
- checking eyelid health and function
- dilation to examine the backside of the eye where many conditions first present symptoms
- testing your peripheral vision responses
- color testing procedures
- testing for fluid pressure of the eye that can be indicative of glaucoma and other diseases
Common Eye Conditions that Are More Prevalent with Age
Your eyes age as your body does and there are many different eye diseases and conditions that can start to be apparent beyond a certain age. Some conditions develop gradually over time, but there are others that can show up seemingly overnight. Therefore, it is always best if you see an eye doctor for regular exams to keep tabs on any developing changes that could indicate a developing condition. Some of the most common age-related eye conditions include:
Cataracts -
Cataracts can cause you to have blurred spots in your vision, an increase in light sensitivity, and even blindness if left untreated. It is caused by a clouding of the ocular lens and is
treatable through surgery with a qualified eye surgeon.
Glaucoma - Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve which is often the result of unstable eye pressure. Being a senior puts you at a higher risk for this disease, but so does a family history.
Dry Eye Problems - Seniors often have problems with adequate tear production to keep their eyes moistened. The eye doctor can help track down the cause of dry eyes and advise what you can do to alleviate the symptoms.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration - This eye condition, often called AMD, is a disease affecting the macula, which is a light sensing area at the back of the eye. Problems with AMD can cause loss of central vision, either in part or completely with progression.
At Maple Ridge Eye Care, we are a full-service optometrist serving Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows and surrounding areas. If you would like to know more about how your vision changes as a senior or would like to set up an appointment, contact our office today.