Aging Population Tends to Ignore Eye Care and Vision Problems
While we aging folks concern ourselves with the threats of heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes, we tend to ignore eye care and vision changes. However, According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, one in three Americans will suffer some form of age-related eye disease by age 65, one in two by age 80.
But few are concerned or even aware of their risk factors, such as family history, ethnicity, undiagnosed diabetes and glaucoma.
If age 50, 60, or beyond is fast approaching, new vision concerns may be within your sight. It is natural for some vision changes to occur by age 50. But more serious conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration become more prevalent in later years. Regular eye examinations are important at every stage of life, and the senior years are no exception. A comprehensive eye exam will not only measure how well you see, but assess the health of your eyes as well.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) stresses the importance of having regular eye exams. Speaking of older adults, the organization says:
Individuals age 61 or older have an increasing risk for the development of cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration and other sight threatening or visually disabling eye conditions as well as systemic health conditions. Therefore, annual eye examinations are recommended.
At Risk: Individuals diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension, or who have a family history of glaucoma or cataracts, and those taking systemic medications with ocular side effects or those with other health concerns or conditions.
Among other things, adults over age 50 should pay attention to tired or burning eyes, avoiding close work, experiencing near misses or difficulty parking when driving, having spots or floaters, noticing distortions in vision and that lighting in the room seems insufficient, having a decrease in peripheral vision, and having diabetes and not having had a dilated eye exam in more than a year.
Individuals between the ages of 41 and 60 should visit the optometrist every two years. Annual exams are recommended for those over age 61. Seniors with specific problems or risk factors may need more frequent visits.
Are you taking care of your eyes? Let us know in the comment section below.
Tags: age, Age Discrimination, aging population, Aging Process, Anti Aging, Baby Boomers, eye care, senior citizens, seniors, vision
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