See your Eye Doctor Regularly
Vision can deteriorate for many reasons, but when associated with the ageing process, many interventions are available. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 80 percent of blindness and serious visual loss around the world is avoidable through prevention or treatment.
Due to our aging population, the number of blind and visually impaired people in the United States is estimated to double by 2030. Encouraging people to take care of their vision health as part of their overall health and wellness could significantly reduce that number and improve quality of life for millions of Americans.
How often should your vision be screened?
Having your eyes tested for vision and general eye health can help identify problems early and prevent loss of eyesight.
For those 65 and older, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends complete eye exams every year or two. If you haven’t seen an eye doctor recently, it's important to schedule an appointment.
Even if you don’t seem to have symptoms or trouble seeing, it's possible to have an eye disease.
For example, there are often no obvious early warning signs of glaucoma. In fact, it’s estimated that almost half of those with glaucoma don't even know they have it. Additionally, cataracts and macular degeneration become much more common in people age 60 or older.
You may require more frequent exams (perhaps even more often than once a year) if you have certain medical conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure, which may put you at higher risk for some eye diseases. Additionally, your eye doctor might want to see you more often if you:
- Take certain medications
- Had a serious eye injury in the past
- Have a personal or family history of eye disease
Remember, as you get older, healthy eyes are an important part of your independence and overall well-being.
So schedule your eye exams regularly and keep your vision in check!
To find out more about comprehensive vision and dental coverage call Senior Healthcare Advisors at 866 391-3831 to speak with a licensed agent or request a quote now.