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Importance of Annual Eye Tests for Senior Citizens with an Optometrist

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As people grow old, they start to have problems with their vision. Many of them might be unaware of these issues unless they undergo an annual eye test. They normally assume there is no need to take one when their spectacles are working perfectly well. However, they fail to understand that an annual eye test also helps to uncover symptoms of other serious health conditions. Only then can they get the proper treatment for these ailments. Otherwise, the diseases might become worse over time. They could include various forms of cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and blood pressure. 

Visit an optometrist for an eye test

Senior citizens must visit an optometrist for annual eye tests. The tests can reveal the following eye health conditions if detected in time- 

  • Cataracts- Senior citizens are aware old age is a risk for cataracts. If left untreated, it will result in vision loss.  It takes place when the eye lens loses its flexibility. Elderly people with this eye condition generally experience blurred vision and are sensitive to light. Only timely treatment can correct their vision. Fortunately, experts can detect the symptoms of this eye condition during an annual eye test.  
  • Glaucoma- This is a condition that occurs when there is an accumulation of pressure within a patient’s eyes. It can ultimately cause extensive damage to the optic nerve resulting in permanent blindness. Elderly people with this eye condition experience chronic headaches, nausea, and blur vision. Moreover, their eyes tend to become red.  They need to undergo an annual eye test as Glaucoma does not trigger out pain or any kind of early symptom.  So, here prevention is better than a cure. 
  • Diabetic Retinopathy- Diabetic Retinopathy is the key reason for permanent blindness in senior citizens. Like Glaucoma, there are no warning signs about this condition.  It occurs due to damage to the blood vessels in the eye retina. The eyeball swells up and discharges fluids. This is a side effect of Type 1 or  Type 2 diabetes.  People with this eye disease have a foggy vision and notice dark spots moving around. 
  • Hypertensive Retinopathy- Elderly people with high blood pressure need to take care of their eyes. Hypertension can damage eye vision. Hypertensive Retinopathy damages the blood vessels in the eye retina. It causes optic nerves to swell and cause bleeding at the back of the eyes. An annual eye test will detect this condition and arrest any damage caused in its early stage. 

An annual eye test with an optometrist will arrest the above eye conditions. There are several underlying health conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic Retinopathy, or hypertensive Retinopathy that can damage vision.  The results of the test will help senior citizens get the right treatment. They can be placed on medications or prescribed eye surgeries for vision correction. The eye test should be done at a credible clinic. It should be clean with the latest equipment so that senior citizens are comfortable. The staff should be compassionate, so check online reviews before you book an appointment.