As we age, regular eye exams become increasingly important. This is not just a matter of getting a new prescription for glasses or contacts.
Our
eyes can tell us much about our overall health; some issues can only be
detected through a comprehensive eye exam.
●Glaucoma and Cataracts: Age
significantly increases the risk of developing glaucoma and cataracts.
These conditions can develop slowly and might not show symptoms until they are
more advanced.
Regular eye exams can catch them early, giving you better options for treatment
and potentially saving your vision.
●Macular Degeneration: This is a
leading cause of vision loss among people aged 60 and older.
While there's no cure, there are treatments that can slow down its progression,
but early detection is crucial.
An eye exam can reveal the early stages of macular degeneration before it
severely affects your vision.
●Diabetic Retinopathy: If you
have diabetes, yearly eye exams are essential. High blood sugar levels can
damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision loss.
Early detection allows for treatment that can prevent or delay further damage.
Taking
care of your eyes as you age is not something to neglect.
It's more than just a matter of keeping your prescription up to date; it's
about preserving your quality of life and potentially detecting other health
issues before they become more serious.