THE IMPORTANCE OF A LUBBOCK SENIOR EYE EXAM

As we age, so do our eyes. And for those 60+ years of age, the eyes are more susceptible to diseases and disorders. Vision changes due to age can have an adverse effect on vision. Often, eye diseases and disorders are insidious; they occur gradually and are often unnoticed until permanent damage has occurred. That’s why it’s so important to have a Lubbock senior eye exam. The sooner a problem is identified, the better early treatment can stop progression of the eye disease.

Cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are common problems in senior eyes. Cataracts develop slowly and can present a significant problem for seniors. Cataracts obscure your sight and cause blurred vision, the appearance of halos, poor night vision and poor color sensitivity. Glaucoma is the result of poor drainage of eye fluid and damages the optic nerve.  Left untreated, it can result in permanent total blindness. Macular degeneration is a serious age-related condition where the retina deteriorates, and the central field of vision is slowly destroyed. Diabetic retinopathy is associated with Type 2 diabetes and causes retina damage. Even dry eye can cause senior problems.

The Vision Center: Lubbock Senior Eye Care

The Vision Center provides Lubbock senior eye care. Our experienced and caring optometrists perform a comprehensive eye and vision exam for seniors with testing for signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye conditions. During a senior eye exam, a refractive error assessment is done, peripheral vision is evaluated and eye muscle capability is tested. The back of the eyes are also assessed using a slit lamp to see details. A test for glaucoma is completed to measure intraocular pressure. This method is known as tonometry.

If glaucoma is detected, the first line of treatment is eye drop medication. We also perform laser surgery for glaucoma if needed. We monitor cataracts very carefully. When it’s time to have them removed, our eye surgeon will let you know. For macular degeneration, we provide injectable medications to slow down its progression.

How often should seniors have an eye exam? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it is recommended for seniors to have an eye and vision exam every year or two. Even if you’re not experiencing any visual symptoms, it’s still important to have a regular eye exam. For seniors with diabetes or a family history of eye disease, it’s recommended to have an eye exam more than once a year. That’s because these two factors put you at a higher risk for some eye diseases.

Are you 60 years of age or more? When was the last time you had a vision and eye exam? If it’s time to schedule one, give us a call at 806-793-1927 today. We are here to ensure that your golden years are seen with good vision.