Adult Vision: Over 60 Years of Age

Failing eyesight that requires new eyeglass prescriptions are just one reason why making an appointment for a senior eye exam is so important every year. While it's true that your eyes can change after the age of 60, even if you've had perfect eyesight up until then, a number of other conditions can appear in senior eyes that only an optometrist can diagnose.

Greenville Senior Eye Care

Even if you think your eyeglasses are fine and you're having no current problems with your eyesight, it's crucial that you have your eyes examined every year once you reach 60 years of age. Having your eyes checked is the only way you can find out about serious conditions that can threaten your eyesight. Among the most common for seniors are:

• Glaucoma  When buildup occurs inside the eyeball, fluid can't circulate, causing pressure inside to build up. This resulting pressure can damage the optic nerve, doing permanent damage to your eyesight. Glaucoma can be treated, but it responds much better when found early on
• Cataracts  The crystal lens of your eye can attract deposits, which obscure the eye's ability to focus. The resulting eyesight can look yellowed, cloudy, or foggy. If left untreated, cataracts can cause blindness. You may get a diagnosis of cataracts long before you have any physical symptoms -- it's common. Finding the condition early means treatment can slow the progression of the disease
• Macular Degeneration  In this condition, the eye loses its ability to focus, especially when trying to distinguish between shades of color or when looking at straight lines. If your eyes are showing signs of macular degeneration our doctor can recommend exercises and treatment that can help to keep your eyesight strong

If you've reached the age of 60 and haven't seen your Greenville optometrist in over a year, call Carolina Vision Care at 252-752-4380 to make an appointment. It's important to have your eyes examined annually, even if you aren't experiencing any problems.