Did you know that the older you are, the more likely you are to develop a serious eye disease? At Optics&EYECARE we consider senior eye care one of the most important parts of our practice. A lot of our older patients are surprised by their diagnosis of cataracts or other eye conditions since we often discover the beginnings of these diseases before they create any symptoms. This is why we encourage all of our senior patients to come in for a thorough eye examination once a year; the earlier our doctor can diagnose any eye problems you may have, the sooner she can begin to treat them.
Optometrist Talks About Senior Eye Diseases
The most common cause of blindness over 40 is cataracts, but that's just one of the many eye diseases that are more common in older adults. We've diagnosed patients with a wide variety of eye diseases, but some of the more common ones among seniors are:
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Cataracts
- Diabetic retinopathy
What You Can Do
If most eye diseases are caught in the earliest stages, no medical treatment is necessary right away. The best thing our doctor will suggest is for you to make positive lifestyle changes to prevent your disease from progressing further. It's surprising how closely eye health is connected with your general health. For every type of eye condition, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet rich in greens and whole grains, wearing sunglasses with total UV protection every day and, in the case of diabetic retinopathy, keeping your blood sugar under control can delay or prevent further deterioration. With many diseases, the damage done isn't reversible, but for almost everyone, you can keep it from getting worse by living a much healthier lifestyle.
Optometry Treatment for Senior Eye Diseases
Once your eye disease has progressed to the point where it's affecting your lifestyle, it's time to look into treatment with a doctor of optometry. When you consult with our optometrist she'll recommend a course of treatment that can include, eye drops, oral medications, and even surgical procedures. Each treatment is different, and your doctor will develop an individualized course of treatment for your best eye care and recovery.
Looking for an Optometrist in Ashburn?
Regular eye care is crucial for senior eyes, for early diagnosis as well as treatment. If you haven't had your eyes examined in at least a year, call our office to make an appointment at (703) 687-4719 today.