Optometric Examinations in the Elderly

As people age, they experience an ever-growing possibility of a reduction in eyesight because of eye disease. This presents the need for comprehensive optometric examinations. Many causes exist for diminishing eyesight in elderly people, but medical problems such as cataracts and glaucoma can begin as early as age 65. The early stages of Alzheimer's disease can also create increased eye problems that necessitate optometric examination.

Advancing Age Creates Problems

• The prognosis for diminished vision and eye problems is certain as you get older, and unless optometric examinations are pursued, the quality of your ability to drive or engage in viable activities or even employment will suffer. Comprehensive eye and vision care services are essential, according to the American Optometric Association.

Eye Problems of Older People

• The presence of visual impairment problems can result from several medical conditions, including cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma or macular degeneration. Eye examinations should begin as early as possible to prevent any continuing eyesight deterioration. Talk to your optometrist about everyday eyesight problems. He or she can discuss prevention measures that you should undertake in your home to to prevent accidents that may occur in poorly lit areas.

Measuring Eye Health

• One of the primary reasons for a senior citizen to obtain a optometric examination is to establish a baseline of eye health. This eye health measurement is typically called an ocular health assessment and systemic health screening. This comprehensive examination is to determine whether there are any systemic disease processes that are also impacting eyesight. For instance, eye diseases may be secondary to other medical disorders, of vascular or neurological origin, or of "endocrine, immune, or neoplastic origin," according to the American Optometric Association.

Visual Field Test

• One of the optometric tests administered to elderly patients is a visual field test. This test is used to determine whether there are any signs of damage to the patient's optic nerve due to glaucoma. Some seniors are also prone to ptosis, or drooping eyelids, which affects the field of vision. Seniors afflicted with optic nerve disease, central or peripheral retinal disease, or diseases that affect the visual pathways within the brain are also given this test, according to Medicine Net.

Eye Examination Frequency

• Older adults should pursue eye and vision examinations on an annual basis, if there is ocular disease in the patient's family. If you have other risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, or having had an occupation that placed high visual demands on eyesight, you need more frequently scheduled eye examinations. If you are taking prescription drugs that affect the eyes or vision, or if you wear contact lenses, you also should schedule regular eye examinations.