Senior Eye Care

The figures say that about 20 percent of Americans over the age of 65 years have some kind of eye problem, which are usually likely to increase with age. Problems relating to senior eye health and care range from low vision to blindness causing eye disease. Common senior eye care concerns are cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Many of these conditions are debilitating, and emphasize the importance of preventive eye care, which in turn plays a crucial role in correcting, stalling, or preventing serious senior eye concerns altogether.

The onset of most vision problems happen with telltale warning signs. If you are 60 years or older, and experience such symptoms, you should immediately visit your physician or optometrist. Some of them are:

• Increasing dryness or tearing
• A drooping eyelid
• A film over the colored portion of the eye or fading of the colored part of your eye.
• Diminished peripheral vision
• If one begins to see spots or shapes that float in one's field of vision
• Blurred or distorted vision
• If one fails to tear or has blocked eye ducts
• Reduced ability to discern colors, especially shades of blue, beige and brown
• If one develops an eye infection, even a mild one, or suffers swelling around the eyes
• If the eyes are troubled by light or glare, and aren't able to adjust to it

Many elderly people avoid check ups for one, or both, of two reasons: cost and inconvenience. While the cost of medical treatment can be significant, there exist programs that provide eye care for seniors without medical insurance, almost free of cost. One such program, called the Seniors EyeCare Program, formerly known as National Eye Care Project (NECP), provides free treatment for any condition that the ophthalmologist diagnoses during that first visit. If the condition requires ongoing care, then treatment will be provided free through the program for one year. To avail of this facility one needs to be a U.S. citizen or legal resident 65 years and older, who has not visited an ophthalmologist in the last three years or more, and does not belong to an HMO or have veteran's vision care. Another volunteer organization that assists those who cannot afford senior eye care, or do not have transportation, is EyeCare America.

Now to address the problem of inconvenience. Pick an ophthalmologist who practices close to your home. His/her office should be easily accessible, and convenient parking would be an added benefit. Ideally, the office should be equipped with handicapped facilities and equipment. The waiting areas should be comfortable and easy to navigate. Helpful and friendly staff would definitely make you more willing to visit, as would a simple registration and check-in process. It is also very important to pick a physician or optometrist who is patient, kind, understanding, and a good listener. Once you decide to visit an ophthalmologist, there are a few points you must keep in mind to get the best treatment. The first is to form a plan with your eye care provider, that schedule your appointments and medical eye exams (those that include dilatation of your pupils). Every time you experience any problem, write it down, so you will have a list of symptoms ready when you visit your doctor, which ensures that you don't forget any, and your doctor is able to correctly diagnose your condition. It is a good practice to ask your provider to prescribe nutritional supplements that can improve eye health. However, also clarify that they won't interfere with any other medication you may be taking.

Senior eye care is very important in preventing and managing eye problems that develop with age. According to the American Association of Optometrists, if you are less than 70 years of age, you should get your eyes checked at least every two years, and annually thereafter. However, those who suffer from diabetes or other eye illnesses, must have frequent check ups.