Vision And Aging - The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

With aging, vision changes are likely to occur, but they should not be neglected. One’s eyesight contributes to overall functionality and independence. However, many seniors postpone eye exams until they notice some kind of complication.

Why Vision Changes with Age  

Our eyesight is affected naturally as we age. Conditions such as presbyopia and cataracts as well as decreased vision usually begin in the mid-forties and progress with age. In addition to these normal eye changes, the elderly are also more likely to suffer from the following serious eye conditions:  

In older age, certain vision changes can occur slowly over time, and in some cases, go unnoticed for a while. 

Take, for example, cataracts. One of its signs is blurriness of vision, and everything can look dim, as if viewed through a foggy window. 

Glaucoma is another slowly progressing condition that works by incessantly building up pressure in the eye and damaging the optic nerve. Many times, the damage is done without showing outward symptoms until late in its course. 

Though mostly associated with aging, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that damages an individual’s central vision making it tough to read, identify faces, or appreciate small things. 

For Diabetics, Diabetic Retinopathy is chronic complication of Diabetes where there is gradual damage to the blood vessels at the back of the eye, and as the disease progresses, vision is affected.  

That is why regular checkups matter. They help identify these problems at an early stage so you or your loved ones can continue appreciating the world around them comfortably. Such problems can gradually develop over time and go unnoticed in the initial stages, so regular eye exams are very important.  

How Eye Exams Aid Senior Wellness  

Eye care and routine checkups not only can alter the prescription glasses but also help monitor overall eyesight health. This is also a useful strategy for tracking the progression of eye infections and other diseases. Clear eyesight helps elderly people to live independently and reduces the likelihood of falls, which is critical for aged people.  

Home Care Support for Vision Health  

At MIWA Home Care, we support our senior clients in attending their eye appointments, managing vision-related medical conditions, and modifying their surroundings to eliminate vision-related safety hazards. Our caregivers directly support vision health by assisting with eye drop scheduling, providing adequate lighting, and more.