When seniors lose their ability to see – either suddenly or over time – it deeply alters their ability to stay independent. Many times, vision loss leads to declining health, disability, institutionalization and – you guessed it – frequent falls.
By age 65, one in three Ontarians will have an eye disease that leads to changes in vision, and one in nine seniors experience irreversible vision loss.
An additional factor contributing to change in vision for seniors is the medications they are often prescribed, many of which cause dry eye – which can impair vision and decrease overall quality of life. These vision problems can:
- Double the difficulty of activities of daily living.
- Double the risk of falls.
- Triple the risk of depression.
- Quadruple the risk of hip fractures.
- Double social dependence.
- Increase medication errors.
While changes in vision are a natural part of ageing, vision loss is avoidable under the regular care of an optometrist. Through a comprehensive annual eye exam, a Kniaziew Optometry doctor can detect any eye health or vision problems before they take a toll on a senior’s day-to-day life, and manage the problem so that seniors can continue living safe, independent and active lives.
Eye health problems frequently experienced by seniors include:
- Low vision
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
Each of these issues can be properly diagnosed and treated by a Kniaziew Optometry optometrist before permanent effects take place. Annual eye exams for seniors are covered by OHIP starting at age 65.
