Windows to the beautiful world, eyes are a vital part of the body. The five senses in your body together make up the wonderful system that helps you to interact with the world. An important part of this world is the senior citizens who make life funnier and wiser.

 

What Is Geriatric Eye Care

Geriatric eye care is the science of looking after the optometric needs of senior citizens. It is estimated that by 2030, the United States would be home to about 70 million strong older population. Eye care techniques for the geriatric population have seen drastic changes from the old days. But why is eye care important for the elderly?

 

Why Geriatric Eye Care Is Important

One out of three individuals aged 65 and above suffer from one or more eye diseases. These issues can also lead to loss of vision in the senior population. As visual acuity declines with age, visual impairment rises. This leads to several problems associated with sight. Some of these problems are:

 

• Legal blindness

• Cataract

• Glaucoma

• Increased falls and fractures

• Inability to drive

• Social isolation

• Depression

• Poor quality of life
  
   

What Causes Vision Troubles in Senior Citizens

Research shows that many troubles stem from age-related changes in the crystalline lens. This lens can become yellow, cloudy, rigid, or lose its accommodative capability. This can affect the color discrimination abilities, cause cataracts, or loss of near vision in senior citizens.

 

Existing diseases in the aging population can also cause eye troubles. Arthritis can cause dry eye condition, while hypertension can be the cause of retinal vein occlusion. A common disorder, diabetes, can be the culprit for glaucoma and cataract in senior citizens.

 

When You Need to See a Specialist

If you are having issues with your sight, you know it is time to visit a specialist. You may feel a bulge in one or both eyes, or a dark veil that affects your vision. Even if you have temporarily decreased vision, visit your doctor to avoid complications in the future. Sometimes, a fall or an accident can cause injury to the eye. Patients can also have a family history of eye disorders and must get themselves checked.

 

How Often to Get Evaluated

For citizens in the age bracket of 65 and above with no symptoms, it is suggested that you get a comprehensive eye checkup every one to two years. If you have any pre-existing health conditions or have felt troubled with your sight, visit your doctor routinely. Diseases such as hypertension and diabetes can cause trouble with your sight. If you have a history of optometric diseases, your specialist would recommend you about the frequency of visits.

 

Optometrists Near You

As a senior citizen, you can care for your eyes in many ways. Many conditions that your eyes can face are treatable as well as preventable. At Premier Eye Care, we are determined to provide the best treatment for your eyes. We have services available for the geriatric population. We can be reached in Fort Worth, Texas.

 

Learn more about the importance of geriatric eye care, contact Premier Eye Care in Fort Worth, Texas at (817) 428-2020 to book an eye exam today!