Save Your Vision Month

In honor of March being “Save Your Vision” month, Fellowship Square advises seniors to maintain their eye health. One of the most important ways to do this is by regular visits to the optometrist. Fellowship Square lists five reasons why it’s important to keep an “eye” on ocular health.

1. Regular eye exams are different than vision screenings. The latter can really only detect inferior vision, while once-a-year eye exams with an optometrist are usually recommended because eye doctors can more accurately diagnose vision problems and determine corrective measures for issues beyond near- or far-sightedness.

2. Eye exams can detect serious diseases. During a routine eye exam, eye doctors can alert patients to early signs of diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, brain tumors and risk of stroke — simply based on the condition of blood vessels and other parts of the composition of the eye. Pretty eye opening!

3. Seniors are at risk for glaucoma. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology routine eye exams are especially important in the later stages of life, as glaucoma can be detected early and then slowed with treatment. To protect the eyes from glaucoma, seniors should take caution and always wear protective eye gear during high contact sports or when using power tools to prevent injury as well as the eye pressure that can lead to glaucoma. There are also prescription eye drops that can prevent risk of this disease. The AAO recommends screenings for glaucoma detection every two years at the age of 65 or older, or for those who are considered high risk for this disease (i.e. family history of the disease, past eye injuries or surgeries).

4. Vision changes over time. With age and time, vision can change. Wearing eyeglasses or contacts with an ill-fitting prescription can result in headaches and eye fatigue. Regular check-ups can ensure that seniors’ prescriptions are being updated whether via contacts or eyeglasses to avoid these negative effects.

5. Poor vision can interfere with quality of life. Whether squinting to see the faces of smiling grandchildren or the favorite passages in a book, not having the best eyesight possible by way of proper prescription or other issues can really impact every day life. A simple routine visit to the eye doctor can clear things right up!