Despite What is Going on Around Us, It is Important to have Your Eyes Examined

Ophthalmologists want to remind seniors to not neglect their eyes and to know that all is being done to keep them safe during routine eye exams.  In fact several of the most common leading causes of blindness including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease are more effectively treated when discovered early. 

Doctors explain that people often do not realize their eyes are weakening as the brain does a good job of compensating for a creeping loss of vision, and may be putting themselves at risk for future blindness.  A dilated-eye exam can catch eye diseases early and may not only help save your vision but in some cases reverse damage.   

Yvonne Ou, associate professor in ophthalmology at the University of California, San Francisco, says when glaucoma is caught early through a comprehensive eye exam, it is a very treatable disease and generally can prevent vision loss that affects quality of life.  Doctors recommend getting tested every year at the age of 50 and older.  Those with a family history of glaucoma may need to be tested more often. 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease that causes damage to the macula, and as its name suggests, age is one of the biggest risk factors.  There are two type of AMD, wet and dry, with dry AMD being the most common.  Treatments for early-detected dry AMD involve lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and taking steps to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, and eating a healthy diet. 

Another eye problem picked up with a dilated-eye exam includes diabetic retinopathy, which is “the top cause of blindness in working-age adults in the U.S., according to the CDC.”   Cataracts are also a condition that is age-related but fortunately very treatable.  When your doctor first sees signs of a cataract, experts say it may be 10 or 20 years before you will be bothered enough to do something about it.  

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we offer independent living, assisted living and memory care.  Our wide range of services are designed to make life easier for our residents including scheduled transportation so you never have to worry about getting to a doctor’s appointment or other important trips.   Please visit our website for contact information and to learn about availability and pricing.  

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s top independent living & assisted living in Peoria.  

Source:

aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/eye-disease-blindness-risk.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R2-POS3-REALPOSS-TODAY