About 20 percent of Americans 65 years and older have problems with their eyes, and eye problems increase with age. Visual impairments range from low vision to eye disease that can cause blindness. The good news is that preventative eye care can make a big difference in correcting, stalling or preventing serious eye problems altogether. The American Association of Optometrists recommends you get your eyes checked at least every two years if you are less than 70 years of age and annually thereafter. If you have diabetes or other eye illnesses, you may need to be checked more often.
Early Warning Signs
If you experience any of the changes mentioned below, you should schedule an appointment for an eye exam:
1. A general "dull" appearance of your eyes with our without drooping eyelids
2. A fading of the colored part of your eye, accompanied by a creamy looking ring around the colored area
3. Increasing dryness or tearing
4. Decreasing peripheral vision
5. Blurred or distorted vision
6. Decreasing ability to distinguish colors, especially shades of brown, beige and blue
7. Decreasing ability to adjust to light or glare
8. "Floaters" or spots that seem to drift in your field of vision
9. Any signs of infection or swelling around the eyes
10. Inability to tear or clogged eye ducts
Choosing the Right Eye Doctor
As is always the case, communication with your eye care provider is very important. Here are some tips for choosing an eye doctor:
1. Pick a physician or optometrist who seems to be a good listener. The average length of a physician's visit is approximately 10 minutes. Without a good listener, you may miss your chance to communicate the subtle symptoms that can help you preserve your vision
2. Make a list of symptoms any of the above symptoms that you have observed in yourself. Bring the list to the appointment so you won't forget to tell your provider about them.
3. Set a plan with your eye care provider regarding how often you should have a comprehensive medical eye exam that includes dilatation of your pupils. Schedule appointments so that you can arrange for transportation home afterward.
4. Ask your provider about nutritional supplements that can improve eye health. Make sure they are safe for you to take considering all other medications you may be taking. Your provider should have printed materials you can read and take to the pharmacy to purchase any recommended supplements.
5. A friendly eye care provider will make accommodations for those who are visually impaired. Offices should offer:
a. Easy access to the office and convenient parking
b. Friendly, easy to understand staff
c. Handicapped facilities and equipment
d. Comfortable and easy to navigate waiting areas
e. Easy to read registration forms and check-in
f. Education materials on the topics of concern to you
Check out Community Resources
Many seniors avoid eye care simply because they do not know how important it is to preserving sight, cannot afford it, or do not have transportation. EyeCare America is a volunteer organization active in most parts of the country that is dedicated to helping people prevent or cope with visual impairments. The Seniors EyeCare Program is designed for people who:
• Are US citizens or legal residents
• Are age 65 and older
• Have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years
• Do not belong to an HMO or the VA
To determine if you, a family member or friend qualifies for a referral through this program, call 800-222-EYES (3937) toll-free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Their public service website is http://www.eyecareamerica.org/eyecare/care/senior-eyecare.cfm
