It’s that time of the year again – New Year, new resolutions! As we jot down goals to become the healthiest and happiest versions of ourselves, let’s not forget a crucial aspect often overlooked – eye health. January happens to be Glaucoma Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to include an overdue eye exam
Want to hear something really scary? Forty percent of people at high risk for eye disease did not have an eye exam last year! That includes adults with diabetes, those with existing vision and eye problems, and seniors age 65 and older. That amounts to nearly 93 million adults in the US, or about 4 in 10.
What just happened to my vision (?) Presbyopia did. Although it’s never fun to realize we’re getting older, it can be comforting to know that presbyopia will affect nearly everyone as they reach their 40s and beyond. Whether you’re nearsighted, farsighted, or have always had crystal clear vision, presbyopia won’t discriminate. It’s simply a part of the aging process, much like gray hair or laugh lines.
Sight is universally considered our most valued sensory experience. Most people acknowledge that good vision is essential to function well in today’s world. But what exactly is ‘healthy vision’? A good place to start may be to describe what healthy vision is NOT in order to recognize the visual warning signs that should never be ignored.
The truth is, there can be many explanations for your blurry vision. From refractive errors to dry eye or even the beginnings of eye disease, many conditions start out with similar symptoms. Learn more about why your vision might be changing and the importance of seeing your eye doctor.
Macular degeneration is a non-curable but highly treatable eye disease affecting mostly seniors over age sixty. Dry and wet versions of the disease target nerve cells in the retina and can destroy the clear central vision used for reading and detailed tasks. If you are concerned about macular degeneration, talk to your eye doctor about your risks during an annual comprehensive exam.
When is the right time to see an Ophthalmologist, the eye MD? Knowing the recommended stages for a comprehensive eye exam can help preserve precious sight for a lifetime.
Vision changes from cataracts impact personal safety and wellbeing. The best time for surgery is when cataracts negatively impact quality of life, or glasses and contacts are no longer effective. On average, patients delay cataract surgery five years longer than necessary. That’s five years of needless struggle with limitations of poor vision.
Diabetes can damage vision without pain or symptoms. Vision changes can even occur in prediabetes, when blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with the disease. Many people first learn they have diabetes during an eye exam.
Changes in the eye’s blood vessels may signal an elevated risk of heart disease, stroke or aneurysm. If your eye doctor sees any of these signs during a dilated eye exam, it could be literally life-saving!
September is Healthy Aging Month and a great time to see your eye doctor.
