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Eye Health for a Brighter Future

Mature man testing out new glasses in ophthalmology clinic

August is National Eye Exam Month, a perfect time to focus on the importance of eye health – especially for older adults. Eye health can significantly impact our daily existence, including how we can engage in activities, maintain independence, and stay connected with those we love. Maintaining the best possible eye health can ultimately support quality of life.

The cornerstone of maintaining eye health is regular exams and, as we age, they become more important. Over time, our vision naturally changes. But often diseases don’t have symptoms or cause vision changes until it is too late. Here are three critical conditions to be aware of:

  • Cataracts The older you get, the higher your risk of developing cataracts; over 50% of people 80 and older have this condition. Cataracts are cloudy areas on the lens, the clear part of the eye that focuses light. Many people don’t even know they have cataracts; if left untreated, cataracts can cause vision to become blurry, hazy, less colorful, or even result in complete vision loss. Everyday activities, like reading, become difficult. Thankfully, surgery can correct the problem, with a success rate of 99%.
  • Glaucoma Called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma often has no early symptoms and is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Over 2.7 million people in the U.S. 40 or older have the condition. Glaucoma can be one of several diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is in the back of the eye. There is no way to prevent glaucoma, which is why regular eye exams are critical. By dilating, or widening the pupil, eye doctors can check for the disease and recommend treatments like medicine or surgery.
  • Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) In the U.S., this incurable eye disease affects nearly 20 million and is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in adults over 60. When a part of the retina called the macula gets damaged, it impacts sharp, straight-ahead vision and causes central vision loss. Early stages of the disease may only show up as a reduced ability to see in low light; so, like glaucoma, regular eye exams that dilate the eye are important to identify the condition. Some treatments are available for the later stages of AMD, but the best approach is to reduce risk by eating healthy, exercising regularly, and not smoking.

Of course, Family Home Health knows how important vision is for seniors. In-home health care services can play a crucial role in supporting eye health for older adults. Ways home health can help include:

  • Assistance with medication management. Many eye conditions require regular medication; Family Home Health caregivers can help ensure medications are taken correctly and consistently, improving their effectiveness.
  • Transportation to appointments. Regular visits to the eye doctor are essential, but transportation can be confusing or complicated. Family Home Health can provide transportation, making it easier for older adults to attend their appointments without stress.
  • Daily support. When daily tasks can become challenging because of vision loss or surgery, Family Home Health caregivers can assist with activities like reading mail, preparing meals, and organizing personal items. Family Home Health can also arrange occupational therapy to adapt tasks and the home to aid independent living.  

National Eye Exam Month is a wonderful opportunity to prioritize eye health and recognize its importance in our lives. So, schedule an eye exam and encourage loved ones to do the same. To protect a bright future, we first must secure our vision of it.