Our chance of developing a range of eye issues rises as we become older. Routine eye exams might discover a minor issue before it becomes a major one. It’s crucial to understand that an annual eye exam comprises more than just a vision test. A yearly eye checkup can also detect the presence of other health issues including diabetes and high blood pressure.

Even if you are not experiencing any visual problems or eye complaints, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that everyone undergo a full eye examination around the age of 40. Why? Because in your 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond, several age-related disorders can damage your eyesight. Establishing your eye health in your early 40s will provide information for your eye doctor to compare with future visits.

In honor of Mother’s Day, here’s a quick summary of why it’s so important to get regular eye exams as you get older.

Detection Of Age-Related Vision and Eye Health Issues

As we age, we are more likely to develop eye disorders such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and glaucoma; eye checkups are essential because many of these eye diseases have no symptoms in their early stages. If any eye disorders are identified, your eye doctor can assess your risk and establish a treatment strategy.

Because we only have one pair of eyes, it is critical to protect our eyesight, which has a significant impact on our quality of life. Many eye disorders become more common as adults age, which is why it is critical to be careful in screening and maintaining eye health. The earlier abnormalities are identified and treated, the higher the odds of maintaining good vision. Furthermore, Optometrists and Ophthalmologists can detect indicators of systemic health disorders such as excessive cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, arterial blockages, malignancies, and neurological issues by examining the eyes.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is the most common cause of blindness among the elderly. This condition can progress extremely slowly, to the point where an individual may not detect any vision loss for a long time unless they have frequent eye exams. This condition arises when the macula, the most sensitive portion of the retina, degenerates, causing central vision loss. Optometrists can effectively manage this disease and prevent vision loss if they diagnose it early.

Cataracts

Age is the major cause of cataracts, as most seniors are aware. Untreated cataracts, on the other hand, can cause visual loss, which many people are astonished to find. When the lens of the eye becomes less flexible, cataracts develop. Blurred or blurry vision, as well as light sensitivity, are some of the signs and symptoms. Complications might occur, and professional assistance can make all the difference. An optometrist may recommend prescription modifications or refer you to an Ophthalmologist for surgical removal and treatment.

Glaucoma

A buildup of pressure within the eye causes this eyesight issue. It can harm the optic nerve, causing vision loss in the peripherals or complete blindness. Glaucoma is difficult to diagnose because there are usually no early symptoms or pain. It’s critical to get an eye checkup regularly to catch it early on.

Diabetic retinopathy

This is the major cause of adult blindness. Unfortunately, there are no early warning indications for this eyesight impairment. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the retina’s blood vessels, causing them to swell and leak fluid. Diabetic retinopathy develops over time if a patient has high blood sugar for an extended period, and if left untreated, it can lead to blindness. An eye doctor will dilate your eyes during a regular vision exam to search for signs of this condition and may recommend lifestyle changes or send you to a specialist for further treatment.

Hypertensive retinopathy

The association between hypertension and cardiac or kidney disorders is well-known. Hypertension, on the other hand, can harm your vision. High blood pressure might go untreated since some adults aren’t even aware they have it. Untreated hypertension can cause damage to blood vessels in the back of the eye, resulting in retinal blood vessel constriction. This can result in back-of-the-eye hemorrhage and optic nerve edema. Your doctor will be able to diagnose and intervene when the condition is still in its early stages if you have a yearly eye checkup.

Deterioration of cognition

There is a link between mild symptoms of retinal vascular alterations and cognitive deterioration, according to researchers. Scientists believe that an annual vision exam can help discover these changes early on when symptom management can help delay the disease’s progression.

Presbyopia

A decline in the eye’s ability to accept or focus on close objects is a frequent ailment that affects all aging persons. An optometrist can assess what modifications to your prescription are necessary to accommodate this natural process, such as recommending bifocal or progressive glasses to assist you to read books and use computers.

Because so many things change in your body as you get older, it’s essential to be proactive and seek expert treatment and regular eye exams to guarantee that your vision is preserved and lasts a lifetime. The key to this is early detection of any health problems.