Caring for Your Eyes at Age 65+ by Denise Johnson, M.D.

Your vision is fundamental to your quality of life, but many people don’t realize how important it is and how easy it is to lose it until it’s too late. Most vision loss related to eye disease can be prevented if the disease is caught early. Proper preventative care gives you every advantage possible in the effort to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.

How Often Most People Over 65 Need Eye Exams

If you are 65 or older, you have no symptoms of eye disease, and you are seeing clearly, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the doctors at the Marietta Eye Clinic recommend that you have an examination performed by an eye doctor every 1 to 2 years. The incidence of ocular disease increases with age, so people ages 65 and up are at their most vulnerable when it comes to vision loss.

Comprehensive eye exams include more than updating your prescription for glasses and contacts. Optometrists and ophthalmologists conduct comprehensive eye examinations to check for damage from health conditions such as diabetes and to check specifically for eye diseases that can lead to blindness, such as glaucoma and cataracts.

If you have symptoms of eye disease or cannot see clearly, your ophthalmologist may recommend that you have more frequent exams.

See Dr. Johnson’s Full Bio Here

The Most Common Age-Related Eye Diseases to Watch For

Age is a major factor in many health conditions and diseases, including eye disease. There are several diseases and conditions your ophthalmologist will keep an eye on in your regular examinations once you are over 65. Here are four key eye diseases your doctor will start to watch for:

• Cataracts — This refers to clouding of the lens when proteins in the eye start to break down. Cloudy lenses can prevent light from focusing in the retina, which may result in blurry vision, seeing double, light sensitivity, inability to see in dim lighting, or seeing faded colors.
• Diabetic retinopathy — Diabetic retinopathy occurs as a result of damage to blood vessels in the retina due to high blood sugar levels. Blood vessels in the eye may swell and leak or close completely, or damaged, fragile blood vessels may grow in the retina and bleed or cause scar tissue. Diabetic retinopathy can result in blurry vision or loss of central and/or peripheral vision.
• Age-related macular degeneration — Age-related macular degeneration occurs when protein deposits or abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina. Age-related macular degeneration affects central vision.
• Glaucoma — Glaucoma results when a buildup of this fluid exerts pressure on the optic nerve and damages its nerve fibers, producing blind spots in a patient’s vision.

Don’t Wait to Make an Appointment

Routine eye exams have been proven to help combat eye disease, visual impairment, and total blindness. Keep in mind the guidance above and reach out to your local optometrist or ophthalmologist more frequently if you have a personal history of visual issues or disease or if your family has a history of eye disease.

More About Denise Johnson, M.D.

Dr. Johnson is an ophthalmologist at the Marietta Eye Clinic who offers comprehensive care and specializes in cataracts, dry eye, and cosmetic treatments. She serves the Acworth and Towne Lake locations. She is board-certified by both the American Board of Ophthalmology and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. She received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University and her medical degree from the Temple University School of Medicine. She is professionally associated with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataracts and Refractive Surgeons, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and the Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine. Read her full bio here.

References and Additional Resources

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. It describes itself as a “global community of 32,000 medical doctors who protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public.” Its website is a great resource to learn more about how to care for your eyes.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) describes itself as the leading authority on quality care and an advocate for our nation’s health, representing more than 44,000 doctors of optometry (O.D.), optometric professionals, and optometry students.

Eye Exam

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/eye-exam/about/pac-20384655

Eye Exam and Vision Testing Basics

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/eye-exams-101

Frequency of Ocular Examinations – 2015

https://www.aao.org/clinical-statement/frequency-of-ocular-examinations

Vision Screening Recommendations for Adults Over 60

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/seniors-screening

What Is Macular Degeneration?

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/amd-macular-degeneration

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-diabetic-retinopathy

What Is Glaucoma?

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-glaucoma

What Are Cataracts?

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-cataracts