The Importance of Eye Exams for Seniors
Professional eye care, including comprehensive eye exams, is important to people at all stages of their life. However, these services become even more crucial as a person get older. Many eye conditions have been linked to aging, so people become more vulnerable to eye damage and vision loss as they reach their senior years.
Eye exams allow us to diagnose various eye diseases for our senior patients before they cause irreversible damage. Because of the importance of eye exams for seniors, we recommend that our senior patients at Primary Eye Care Associates schedule yearly exams at our Chicago, IL, practice, serving patients in Midway, Garfield Ridge, and surrounding areas.
Aging and the Eyes
As the body ages, cells and tissues naturally begin to breakdown. The structures within the eye are no exception. The natural aging process, along with prolonged exposure to the sun and a lifetime of use and strain, leave seniors at a greater risk for a number of eye diseases and conditions, such as:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Retinal detachment
- Corneal diseases
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Presbyopia
- Dry eyes
Early Intervention Is Key
In most cases, damage that develops within the eyes is irreversible, which is why early intervention is key. When eye diseases or vision problems are caught early on, we can provide our patients with treatment to manage the condition and slow down the progression of damage and vision loss.
In many cases, early intervention prevents the need for more invasive treatments. But even when damage does progress to the point that surgery or other intervention is needed, we are at least able to continually monitor the condition.
Seniors who fail to schedule comprehensive eye exams on a regular basis may be left with far fewer treatment options should a problem develop. If an eye disease or other ocular health problem is diagnosed after it has already caused significant damage or vision loss, we may be unable to provide them with treatments and solutions that restore clear vision.
Make Time for Yearly Exams
Every person should make comprehensive eye exams a part of their regular healthcare routine. However, younger patients who have good vision and are at minimal risk for eye diseases can usually get by with a comprehensive eye exam once every two to three years.
As a person ages and the risk of eye problems increases, eye exams become even more important and should be scheduled more frequently. We recommend that seniors schedule eye exams once a year. If any eye diseases do develop, the need for follow-up care may require more regular appointments. We will recommend a care and treatment plan that best meets each patient’s unique needs.
Get in Touch
At Primary Eye Care Associates, we offer comprehensive eye exams that monitor eye health and allow for early diagnosis and treatment of potential problems or complications. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, or want more information about our other eye care services, send us a message at your earliest convenience, or call (773) 735-6090. We serve patients in Chicago, Midway, Garfield Ridge, and surrounding areas.
